IBM InterConnect wants to take you to the cloud

IBM's big cloud conference, InterConnect, is kicking off next week in Las Vegas, so expect lots of news coming out about Big Blue, particularly regarding its hybrid cloud strategy, Bluemix, and Watson (and the wide areas of overlap between the three).

IBM has been bulking up in the cloud for years now, investing billions of dollars through acquisitions and home grown technology as well as inking some big partnerships (IBM and Microsoft, once again the best of frenemies).

Meanwhile, its investments in Watson ramping up as well: It recently bought Truven Health Analytics for $2.6 billion, which gives it access to health decision data covering one out of three people in the United States. IBM's Watson Health division had previously acquired Explorys and Phytel in order to gather a broader set of health data, according to Forbes, and expect them to talk about how their scale in healthcare and other industries gives them a big advantage when it comes to delivering insights.

Paul Gillin took a look at the speakers slated for next week to try and read the announcement tea leaves, but we'll be keeping an eye on any big news for you right here at IT Pro.