IBM bolsters cloud partnerships

IBM is positioning itself to embed itself even deeper into the ever-increasing movement of IT functionality to the cloud by launching a new partnership program to help its IT provider partners better leverage cloud opportunities.

The new IBM Cloud Computing Specialty program will support a range of companies that provide cloud-based services, including cloud application providers, cloud infrastructure providers and companies that provide tools and services like management and billing for the cloud. Through the program, those business partners can get access to a range of IBM cloud computing marketing and sales enablement resources to help them build, market and sell cloud computing solutions.

In a recent survey with developerWorks of more than 2,000 IT professionals worldwide, IBM found that 91 percent believe cloud computing will overtake on-premise computing as the primary way organizations acquire IT by 2015.  

While the program obviously helps IBM ensure that cloud service and technology providers are basing their offerings on IBM platforms, it’s likely to benefit the IT professionals seeking service from those IBM partners—who will have more resources and access to cutting-edge technology to help their cloud-migrating customers make the transition.