IBM pushes into 'autonomic' computing

IT managers frustrated by computer glitches could benefit from computers that can configure, tune and possibly even repair themselves, according to IBM.

Big Blue is launching a drive into 'autonomic computing', where computer systems have some degree of self-regulation and predictive thinking and automated reaction.

The company held a three-day conference this week at its Almaden Research Center to reveal the new push.

"We need a higher-level framework for the components to fit together in a higher-level way," said Alan Ganek, vice president of autonomic computing at IBM.

In December, BT 'futurologist' Ian Pearson warned of the threats of computers being able to think for themselves, bringing the world closer to the 'Terminator' scenario.