IBM, GE inter-link security software

SAN FRANCISCO: International Business Machines Corp. and General Electric Co. said that they will link their software for computer network security and building security.

IBM, of Armonk, New York, and GE, of Fairfield, Connecticut, said that GE's Interlogix division will integrate its Facility Commander software with IBM's Tivoli network management software and its WebSphere server software.

GE Interlogix will also support IBM's Directory Integrator and its DB2 database software program, the companies said.

By linking the two types of software -- one that manages security and access to networks and programs, and the other that provides building security with ID badge readers, for example - customers get better security, the companies said.

If an employee swipes his badge on an electronic badge reader and leaves a building, GE's building security software could "talk" to IBM's Tivoli software and prevent another person from using that employee's stolen user name and password on a computer in the same building.

The companies said they would jointly market and sell the integrated software offerings, and would focus first on approaching customers who already use software products from GE and IBM.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

© Reuters