IBM has signed a deal with Chinese ISP Tencent to push Software-as-a-Service solutions that will focus on mobile, cloud computing, and big data tools.
The push will revolve around emerging SMEs in the smart city and healthcare industries, helping them to use mobility in the cloud and draw customers to Tencent.
The Chinese firm is looking to broaden its portfolio, and will collaborate with IBM to offer services such as analytics and management tools. These will be run from Tencent’s own Chinese data centres.
Financial terms of the deal are not yet known.
Taosang Tong, SVP of Tencent, said: "Tencent has a stable and reliable cloud computing platform, while IBM has abundant industry expertise aimed at the enterprise. We will work together to bring ‘Internet mode’ to more enterprise-level clients through cloud computing."
Nancy Thomas, managing partner with IBM’s business consulting services in China, said: "The industry dimension makes this especially appealing for businesses.
"IBM and Tencent’s shared vision is not only to bring the scale and cost benefits of cloud computing to enterprises in China, but to add differentiating value by serving the particular needs of specific industries. That is the key to unlocking the transformative power of cloud computing."
