In essence, it opens access to a network of roughly three dozen regional centers that contain IBM equipment and expertise, so startups can test their offerings on IBM server and blade center infrastructure. The initiative also includes other technical, sales, and marketing assistance at no charge.
These [Innovation Centers] have been open for some time, but this is the first time that we have focused on start-ups, said drew Clark, director of strategy and co-founder of IBM’s venture capital group.
The advantages are especially aimed at startups in emerging regions, like Brazil, India, and China, where access to IBM expertise and infrastructure has not always been easy. We can now give them access so they can test their software on what a typical US environment would be, Clark said.
In other words, venture-funded startups gain access to IBM technical architects; remote access to IBM’s Virtual Loaner program for off-site access to IBM services, operating systems, and middleware; virtual workshops conducted online by IBM experts; and seminars for helping startups in areas like lead generation.
This echoes similar programs announced last winter for encouraging partners to use IBM for deploying software as services (SaaS), where it added portals and workshops based at the Innovation Centers for mentoring existing partners on making the transition to software business on demand.
