With this annoucement, IBM and Zend released a couple new goodies.

IBM and Zend today announced the availability of Zend Core for IBM(TM), the industry's first integrated solution specifically designed to help developers deploy database applications and services based on the popular PHP Web language. IBM and Zend also announced that they are jointly working on furthering PHP technology to include improved high-level database integration frameworks and enhanced PHP Web services standards. At the same time, Zend announced Zend Network, a comprehensive service and support system delivering enterprise-quality updates and support to PHP developers.

Zend Core is immediately available as a free download.