The conference was divided into three sections, each with a specific red-hot topic.
The first section “Smarter Commerce” was devoted to software solution for smarter commerce. Škoda Auto, a.s case study including implementation of B2C e-shop designed for direct sale of original accessories and marketing items to end users was introduced there .
Software tools for smarter data processing that put emphasis on IT architecture, usage of standards and IT governance were mentioned in the second section called “Smarter Computing”. Visitors were familiarized either with the best architecture for the Cloud as IBM System x and BladeCenter or with the functionality of virtualization on POWER platform.
The third parallel section on IBM Forum 2012 appropriately titled "Cloud computing" was focused on current information about IBM services business in era of software as a service.
All three sections interconnected each other and more or less mingled with its content. Based on this meeting it is clear, that many of future products provided by IBM will be tied to the concept of cloud computing.
Remember that Cloud computing can be divided into three parts - Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). In the nearest future you probably will get acquainted with a new term - Desktop as a Service (DaaS) because of innovation of IBM applications and services portfolio.
Desktop as a Service
Distribution model DaaS was presented by speakers Michal Votava and Petr Leština. Desktop as a service is nothing more than a desktop virtualization which is available for users from any device which is connected to the Internet.
The above mentioned presentation was accompanied by a practical example which showed creation of a new instance of operating system Windows XP in German datacenter Ehningen and run of a virtual desktop. If you want to know more, follow this link on Petr Leština’s Youtube profile: http://www.youtube.com/user/petrlestina.
SAP as a service
SAP as a service was among the hot news of Prague IBM Forum 2012. This offer will officially appear in the IBM portfolio in the second half of this year. Customers will be able to use the SAP system thanks to the existing license (if customer will have it). Anyway, it won´t be a pure SaaS, but more likely the distribution in form of PaaS with all the necessary facilities (application server, middleware, operating system, etc.).
We look forward to the next year of the IBM Forum in Prague and we believe that IBM company will come with further innovations.