IBM (NYSE: IBM) is launching a new lab focused entirely on the fast-growing “cloud” computing market.
The lab is located in the United Kingdom.
IBM cited increasing demand for “cloud” services which enable the leveraging of PC and server resources across networks and data centers on demand.
“Cloud” services are currently generating $68 billion a year in revenues and are projected to generate as much as $150 billion over the next four years, IBM said, citing industry estimates.
"Our business partners are ready to cash-in on cloud computing, and they are looking to IBM for hands-on assistance to drive new business opportunities," said Jim Corgel, general manager of IBM’s independent software vendor and developer relations. "The new Cloud Computing Lab will help our partners gain the skills they need to build next generation business applications and services for the cloud using IBM technologies."
Dave Mitchell, director of strategy and emerging business at IBM, told eChannelLine that IBM partners were in capitalizing on cloud opportunities.
"What we are finding is partners are coming to us asking about cloud computing, and they get not only access to the technology but also access to the team that is helping them to put together their business," he said.
eWeek noted that acquired through the deal for California-based Cast Iron earlier this year. Cast Iron focused on cloud integration services, equipment and software.
In its own survey of 2,000 information technology workers spread across 87 countries, IBM found that 91 percent said “cloud” computing will “overtake on-premise computing as the primary way organizations acquire IT by 2015.”
IBM said it would work with business partners and customers to facilitate use of the lab through its more than 30 global Innovation Centers. Big Blue operates five such centers in the U.S. – in Austin and Dallas, Texas; Chicago; San Manteo, Calif.; and Waltham, Mass.
IBM employs some 10,000 people in the Triangle area.
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