IBM and OECD to Focus on Global Collaboration for Innovation

IBM (NYSE: IBM) has contributed a new social computing software called 'Many Eyes' for use during the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development) World Forum on Measuring and Fostering the Progress of Societies, this week in Istanbul. The innovative technology allows for the democratization of complex data by enabling users to upload any type of data and collaborate on the analysis of that information.

For example, Many Eyes users are currently uploading publicly available or personally gathered data regarding local or global issues -- such as tax rates, crime statistics, global warming, water safety, and healthcare -- and are offering opinions and insights on these topics. The information is displayed in a dynamic, easy to understand format that allows for real-time knowledge sharing.

IBM and OECD representatives believe that social computing software will help people from all over the world make more informed decisions and create a new level of civic dialogue about the issues affecting them in their communities, their countries and at a global level.

Nick Donofrio, IBM's executive vice president, Innovation and Technology, and a keynote speaker at the OECD World Forum, will address the issue of collaboration on a global level. "Nations, institutions and enterprises must work together to create a climate and culture for innovation; one that embraces cross-border, cross-organizational and cross-disciplinary collaboration," said Donofrio. "Innovation is more than just the availability and accessibility of information technology; it is fostered when information technology combines with deep insight to create new value for business, government, academia and our global society."

"Global discussion based on solid statistics allows society to understand its current state and provides a base from which to make progress and innovate," said Enrico Giovannini, Director of Statistics and Chief Statistician of OECD. "Providing OECD's 2007 Factbook data to the public offers citizens around the world an opportunity to collectively explore, discuss and tackle the societal challenges of our time."

IBM's Many Eyes enables users to upload and view large amounts of complex scientific data or playful, social content. Communities of people can then explore, discuss, and collaborate on visual content. Current data sets and visualizations reflect a diverse range of interests, including scientific (temperature and CO2 levels over time), political (U.S. political party affiliation over time), global (fertility rates around the world), and financial (venture capital investment in Europe). The addition of OECD 2007 Factbook data to Many Eyes will enable an even broader range of discussion, as data on health, science and technology, trade, GDP, energy use, education, and other globally relevant topics will now be available.

IBM and OECD will demonstrate the innovative technology during the conference by providing access to the OECD 2007 Factbook information guide to the general public. The data can be accessed by visiting http://services.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes and searching for OECD Factbook. The Factbook includes information on a variety of issues such as the environment, individual country economies, and healthcare. Concerned citizens, leaders, and institutions all over the world are invited to upload other sources of data they think are relevant to major world issues and to engage in debate and discussion using the technology.

The OECD World Forum (June 27-30, 2007) will bring together representatives from public and private sectors, and developed, developing and emerging countries for discussions on "Measuring and Fostering the Progress of Societies" (see www.oecd.org/oecdworldforum). Key world issues, such as changes in climate, health, and economic globalisation, are among the topics that more than 900 ministers, parliamentarians, academicians, business executives, and non-governmental organizations from over 100 countries will explore.

For more information on IBM, please visit www.ibm.com and for more information on OECD, please visit www.oecd.org