IBM today announced plans to go online with its commercial cloud service for software development and testing. IBM, which already delivers a test and development cloud, is now allowing enterprise and government clients to test and develop on an IBM Cloud.
According to IBM, the average enterprise devotes up to 50% of its entire technology infrastructure to development and test, but typically up to 90% of it remains idle. IBM's approach to cloud is intended to complement clients' current data centers and traditional development efforts, helping clients reduce provision cycle times from weeks to minutes; eliminate software defects by up to 30%; reduce time required for test and quality assurance; and enable rapid redeployment of environments across multiple IT projects
The general availability of the new Smart Business Development & Test on the IBM Cloud allows enterprise clients to expand on internal development and test efforts with access to resources through IBM's secure cloud delivery model, IBM software and application lifecycle management capabilities.
IBM is working with partners in cloud management, cloud security and software development and testing support to provide businesses with comprehensive cloud computing solutions. IBM is also introducing new Rational software delivery lifecycle solutions in the cloud, Rational Software Delivery Services for Cloud Computing v1.0, and launching new developerWorks Cloud Computing resources to provide a single point of entry to beta and production cloud environments, as well as a place for visitors to learn how to make the most of cloud computing initiatives. In 2010, IBM also will begin a new series of cloud computing workshops at its 40 worldwide IBM Innovation Centers to support ISV business partners seeking cloud skills.
Smart Business Development & Test on the IBM Cloud will be available in the second quarter of 2010 in the U.S. and Canada, and it will roll out globally throughout 2010.
For more information on IBM's cloud computing portfolio, research and labs, go here.
To access the new developerWorks Cloud Computing resources, go here.