IBM and Siemens PLM Software today announced a new alliance to jointly offer product life cycle management solutions which will take care of entire phase from design and manufacturing to end-of-life planning and recycling. The tie-up further claims that the solutions will simplify the process of sharing key product data and manufacturing plans.

Post tie-up, the solutions will incorporate IBM’s Product Development Integration Framework (PDIF) as a development platform and a primary integration environment to Siemens’ ready to-use solutions built on its Teamcenter PLM software as well as IBM WebSphere and Information Management (DB2). The alliance will also offer services such as consulting and implementation, systems integration and application hosting.

“Siemens PLM Software’s Teamcenter is the industry’s first PDIF-ready platform to deliver tightly integrated IBM middleware offerings that reduce PLM software acquisition and lifecycle costs,” said Michael Wheeler, vice president, IBM PLM and Supply Chain Solutions.  “By using a flexible software environment, companies have a framework for marrying key PLM business processes to technology initiatives that offer a structured approach to managing the life of a product,” added Wheeler.

“One of the significant benefits of today’s announcement is the fact that customers will no longer need to choose between IBM and Siemens when selecting the best PLM solution for their organizations,” said Chuck Grindstaff, executive vice president of Products and CTO, Siemens PLM Software. “Companies now have access to the performance and reliability of IBM middleware combined with the scalability and instant access to product knowledge provided by Teamcenter. This combination presents a unique advantage for companies as they address the growing demand from their customers for more sustainable products.”