As I wrote yesterday, IBM and the University of Bari have developed a cloud computing system running on System z mainframe, which is helping local fishermen gain real-time dock auction prices and product to market quicker.

The system is also helping local wine makers at five dozen cooperatives get similar market insight. The vineyard owners can determine market demand for wines and focus sales strategy around getting the best product price and ship product faster than before.

The cloud is built on an IBM System z9 Business Class mainframe running Linux and DB2, WebSphere and Tivoli middleware from IBM.

In the local transportation industry, the system is providing a logistics solution for truck companies. The vehicles are deployed with sensors that transmit data on a range of operational points, from temperature to traffic congestion.

Operators can determine quicker and more efficient routes to sales points, which saves time, gas and provides better customer service capabilities. Companies can also track vehicle maintenance issues in real-time as well, which means fewer trucks sidelined by repairs and safer driving situations.

The University of Bari is also developing cloud-based solutions for the Daisy-Net consortium in southern Italy. The consortium, which includes companies and universities from five regions, will gain better technology training programs, which will make for a more skilled workforce and help both the educational and the corporate sector stay in sync with new technologies.