Enterprise IT vendor IBM has launched an application development cloud called the IBM Power Development Platform that offers zero charge access over the cloud to developers.
IBM Power Development Platform, according to an IBM statement, is providing software developers with no-charge access over the cloud to IBM Power Systems servers to build, port and test applications.
The IT vendor expects the new resource will be of particular interest to Linux developers, many of whom are seeking and using more powerful, modern servers built to handle the new wave of open, collaborative applications built for Big Data, mobile and social business computing.
Power Development Platform (PDP) provides remote access to IBM POWER7 and POWER7+ processor-based servers running Linux, AIX and IBM i operating systems. PDP includes a new Linux porting image with IBM DB2 10.x, IBM WebSphere 8.5.5, and the latest Linux development tools for Power.
In addition, the PDP also serves as an entry point to the full IBM Software Group Software Access Catalog, which contains current versions of hundreds of downloadable IBM software applications.
The PDP complements a growing network of physical Power Systems Linux Centers launched last year around the world, with the first centers located in Beijing, New York, Austin, Montpellier and Tokyo. The Beijing center alone helped over 300 visitors port 562 new applications to the Power platform in 2013.
Prior to the launch of the PDP, IBM offered virtual access to Power servers through an online resource called the Virtual Loaner Program. IBM said major enhancements included in the new PDP are increased capacity, additional Linux development tools, improved reservation navigation and deeper social media integration to provide users with more news and information.
