IBM’s decision to invest $3bn and hire 2,000 workers to staff its new IoT business unit solidifies its position as a preeminent player and driving force in mainstream IoT adoptions. 

IBM is unveiling a new set of services for its Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Bluemix, that enable developers to quickly infuse new analytics capabilities into cloud-based applications. The IBM cloud tools are designed to help developers broaden the capabilities of their applications to give users a more robust cloud experience that enables integration of data analytics and visualisation seamlessly in their apps.

An open access cloud service is now available to the global community of developers who want to participate in the OpenPOWER ecosystem. SuperVessel acts as a virtual R&D engine for the creation, testing and pilot of emerging applications including deep analytics, machine learning and the IoT.

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson has unveiled a £313m partnership with IBM to boost Big Data research in the UK. Following on from the Government’s £113m commitment in the Autumn Statement to expand the Hartree Centre at Daresbury over the next five years, IBM will further support the project with a package of technology and onsite expertise worth up to £200m. 

Woodside, Australia’s largest independent oil and gas company, has announced that it will use IBM Watson as part of its next steps in data science. The cognitive computing system will be trained by Woodside engineers, enabling users to surface evidence-weighted insights from large volumes of unstructured and historical data contained in project reports in seconds.

Two key developments in the world of silicon photonics promise more efficient data centres. Sally Ward-Foxton reports.

IBM today announced that it has been selected by Tata Power Delhi Distribution to conceptualize, design and deliver an Advanced Smart Grid solution that will  collect and analyze real-time information from smart meters and data from the communication and management infrastructure. This will enable Tata Power Delhi Distribution to better manage energy output and further reduce outages.