IBM launches cloud computing services
IBM on Monday unveiled a series of cloud computing services including business consulting to determine return on investment, design and implementation and security architecture. — Big Blue noted that its services will focus on public, private and hybrid cloud computing set-ups.
Context & Ripple Effects
IBM had already framed cloud computing as a strategic focus in 2008, following its 2007 Blue Cloud initiative and public push for computing delivered from afar. The new offering turns that positioning into a services package for enterprises weighing different deployment models.
The emphasis on ROI assessment, implementation and security architecture matters because IBM is selling the work required to adopt cloud systems, not solely the underlying computing environment.
First-order effects
- Enterprise buyers can engage IBM for cloud ROI analysis, design, implementation and security architecture across public, private and hybrid deployments.
- IBM gains a services-led route to cloud spending, extending its cloud push into consulting and deployment engagements.
Second-order effects
- Cloud projects become more likely to be scoped around IBM's implementation and security expertise, tying adoption decisions to professional-services relationships.
- The inclusion of public, private and hybrid setups lets IBM address customers that are not ready to standardize on a single cloud model.
Third-order effects
- If enterprises continue to require ROI, integration and security help, cloud competition will reward vendors that combine infrastructure with consulting rather than treating cloud as a standalone technology sale.
The trend: Enterprise cloud adoption is developing as a services-and-integration market, with public, private and hybrid options requiring different migration and security work.