When does an IBM product development team starting a new project seem like something new?  After looking under the covers of the IBM development of PowerVC, a new offering that is designed to simplify provisioning of systems with a simplified software stack, I think I'm really seeing something new.

My first impression was how the program manager kicked off one of the projects.  It had to do with a team building exercise, something similar to what I've used in agile projects, and what you also read about that is happening in other .com startups.

Another impression is how the development teams are collaborating.  They are using IBM collaboration tools that allow simple drag and drop changes, instead of complex procedures that require you to attend a class before you can use the system.

And....The install media comes with instructions that require a single choice to get started - express or standard. 

What also makes me smile is how quickly development has moved from concept to product.

There are other products in development this way.  I think there may be a new IBM just down the aisle from my office.