Kroger to Use IBM's Framework for Store Applications

CINCINNATI -- IBM, Armonk, N.Y., has entered into an agreement with Kroger here to deploy IBM‘s Store Integration Framework to improve the shopping experience throughout Kroger‘s network of more than 2,470 supermarkets. The Store Integration Framework provides a retail-oriented architecture to enhance store-centered processes and connect them with the enterprise. “With this initiative, we will be able to introduce innovative services quickly and seamlessly to improve our customers‘ shopping experience,” said Chris Hjelm, Kroger‘s senior vice president and chief information officer, in a statement. “We intend to significantly reduce development cycle times by using the open standards and techniques available through IBM‘s framework.”