IBM sets up UK Cloud Computing Lab

IBM has launched a first-of-its-kind Cloud Computing Lab in the UK, designed to help partners reap the benefits of the cloud.

Specifically, the lab will assist IBM business partners to get going with cloud technologies and learn the sales and marketing skills required to take advantage of the market.

Partners who head to the new Cloud Computing Lab in the Hursley IBM Innovation Centre will be able to access a range of IBM cloud computing technologies to develop and try out new cloud services.

Industry experts will also be on hand to help partners build "a go-to-market plan," Big Blue explained.

Harnessing the power of the cloud, partners can access the new lab from any of IBM's network of 38 Innovation Centres across the globe, working virtually with experts at the Hursley facility.

"Our business partners are ready to cash in on cloud computing, and they are looking to IBM for hands-on assistance to drive new business opportunities," said Jim Corgel, general manager for IBM independent software vendor and developer relations.

"The new Cloud Computing Lab will help our partners gain the skills they need to build next generation business applications and services for the cloud using IBM technologies."

Big Blue has ramped up its cloud solutions this month and launched a range of cloud security offerings last week.

This included a cloud computing security assessment that compares a company's cloud solutions' security programs against industry best practices and the client's set cloud security objectives.