IBM says it is working with Yi Lian Zhong Information Technology (YLZ), a leading provider of information services in China, to build a cloud computing platform that will improve the life of citizens in China via an online portal for a variety of social services. With an IBM System z mainframe running Linux as the foundation, YLZ will expand its existing services available in Fujian Province to seven more Chinese provinces. This will enable them to construct a citizen livelihood service information network covering a population of 300 million.
YLZ says it selected System z for its "reliability, security and cost effectiveness." Specifically, the mainframe's ability to scale easily will help YLZ manage the unpredictable nature of transaction peaks and valleys without incurring additional costs.
IBM and YLZ's new cloud platform will connect various networks of urban and rural residents, government departments, social service providers, medical institutions, corporate and public organizations, and vocational schools. New kiosks will be installed across selected communities at civic centers, hospitals, banks, and shopping malls. Participants will be able to swipe their social insurance identity cards, which are already connected to banks, to access the additional services offered by various government departments. They can also use their ID cards to settle service payments.
For more information about IBM's smarter computing initiative, visit www-03.ibm.com/systems/data/flash/smartercomputing/index.html.