Boeing, IBM Announce 10-Year Partnership

IBM and Boeing -- the nation's second-largest defense contractor -- said the estimated market for the systems to enhance the nation's military communications, intelligence operations and homeland security is about $200 billion.

Technologies developed under the alliance will be critical for "network-centric" operations in which satellites, aircraft, ships and submarines -- as well as tanks, radios and even handheld computers -- share information using the same interfaces, standards or protocols, the companies said.

"With capabilities enhanced by this new technology our defense and intelligence community will gather real-time information and communicate it across all levels of command for maximum effect," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing's St. Louis-based Integrated Defense Systems division.

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