IBM Lab Preps Partner Pathway to the Cloud

IBM today launched a Cloud Computing Lab in the United Kingdom to help its business partners capture cloud computing business opportunities. The new facility at the Hursley IBM Innovation Center will provide Big Blue's partners with access the latest IBM cloud technologies to develop and test new cloud services. One goal of the lab will be to help providers test-drive a variety of cloud computing models and chart their best path to the cloud.

"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, IBM ISV 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."

Leveraging Cast Iron Acquisition
The Hursley lab will be staffed by experts from IBM's Cast Iron development team. IBM acquired Cast Iron earlier this year for its expertise as a leading integration-as-a-service company.

UK managed services provider Maxima recently signed an agreement and worked with IBM to develop a plan with IBM to deliver cloud based services to its 1,400 mid-market customers across the US, Europe and Asia, including 500 of its own resellers. Maxima will deliver business applications hosted on an IBM cloud to its clients in construction, manufacturing and financial services, who will be able to choose business apps through its Maxima Reseller Portal.

"Businesses are looking for reliable performance and security in cloud services," said Graham Kingsmill, CEO, Maxima. "The combination of Maxima and IBM cloud services addresses these issues and can help our joint clients and resellers grow their business and reach new markets."