On the processor side, "it's really important to be able to understand the problems that you're solving and to be able to map that problem effectively through algorithms — in many cases, parallel algorithms — to exploit the multiple different processor cores that are available now on processors from IBM and other companies."

Glenn next described the locations of the various IBM labs around the globe where pure and applied research is carried out. "A lot of the research is oriented around trying to anticipate and drive the direction of the technologies that we might then implement if three or four or five years out, in our various different hardware and software products."

"Increasingly, we're using our research capabilities to help our clients. ... Our research team will bring their expertise in mathematical optimization, or whatever the case may be, to help the client solve what they considered to be an intractable problem. Our research organization  covers pretty much the entire spectrum, from fundamental research through to some really interesting applications areas as well."

The interview continued with with quantum computing and other coming technologies. One example is IBM's work on nanotechnology and around carbon nanotubes in particular.

We finished on the popular topic of the "eureka moment" and the process of turning fundamental research into useful products for IBM and its clients.

The audio file for this enlightening podcast with Glenn Wightwick (Director of the IBM Australia Development Laboratory and IBM Australia Chief Technologist) is available here (MP3 format, file size approximately 10.0 MB, duration 25:28).

Want to find out more? Here's a brochure about the IBM Australia Development Laboratory (PDF document, file size approximately 3.6 MB)