Enterprise IT vendor IBM today announced its decision to expand hybrid cloud business in China.
IBM is making an attempt to tap 10 percent of the global IT developers, who are residing in China, according to analyst firm IDC.
Bluemix Local, its cloud computing platform, allows enterprises to build apps and deploy across public, private and on-premises environments.
“As the pace of innovation within China’s thriving tech and developer ecosystem grows faster than ever, so does the demand to significantly expand how cloud can be used to quickly build intelligent and connected apps,” said Steve Robinson, general manager, IBM Cloud Platform Services.
IBM has tied up with 21Vianet, a data center services provider in China, to sell Bluemix brand of cloud services.
The investment in Bluemix by IBM totaled $1 billion in 2014.
“IBM’s Cloud Computing platform aims to accelerate innovation, and transform industries in China,” said Ernie Hu, general manager of IBM Greater China Group, Cloud and Systems Software.
IBM will be targeting industries such as banking, healthcare and financial services with the launch of Bluemix Local services. IBM feels these industries will be looking for hybrid cloud.
Meanwhile, Cloud company iomart acquired the managed hosting company United Communications in a deal valued at £11 million. In June, iomart acquired SystemsUp, an IT consultancy.
The UK-based United Hosting provides hosting services and domains to 6,500 customers – mainly SMBs. United Hosting has its main data center in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. It leases data center space in London and in Dallas, Texas and has a support function in India.
