Major League Baseball taps IBM Web 2.0 tech
Major League Baseball is turning to Web 2.0 technology to improve the operations of America's pastime.
The league's information technology department has purchased IBM Portal software, some of which was developed in Westford, to create connections between players, umpires, and fans, IBM is disclosing today. The software, using a new generation of Internet technologies, has a range of applications from combating counterfeit memorabilia to keeping umpires and ballpark security staffers abreast of weather patterns and potential risk factors.
Desktop computers installed in umpires' dressing rooms will be able to create mashups showing everything from how field conditions will affect play to the historic behavior of players prone to fighting. The computers will also allow umpires to use Google Gadgets to create real-time weather views and other data on web pages.
For the memorabilia application, a fan catching a home run ball can link up with a security guard who will place a hologram on the ball. Data from the hologram will then be wirelessly uploaded to the league's IBM DB2 data server, enabling potential buyers to verify the ball's authenticity.
(By Robert Weisman, Globe staff)
