IBM looks to human nervous system for next computer era

IBM is embarking on research to develop computer systems modelled on the human nervous system.

The company is funding a program to develop 'autonomic' technologies that regulate themselves independent of any human interaction.

IBM is sending 750,000 copies of its manifesto to industry professionals and academics worldwide calling on them to support its vision.

Author, senior vice president of research Paul Horn, says computing has become so complex that there are too many operations for human administrators to oversee.

He believes computing is changing so fast that soon there will not be enough IT workers worldwide with the expertise to keep vital computing systems running.

He believes the answer lies in developing systems that can respond to problems reflexively, in the same way the central nervous system in humans produces adrenaline in times of stress.

The manifesto - which is available to download from the company's website - calls for business leaders to collaborate in building shared standards in software development.

It points out that there have been disparate breakthroughs in self-regulating computing, but argues that these need to be thought through collectively.

The company has pledged to chair a scientific conference on the subject early next year.