IBM Acquires Platform Computing to Offer HPC in the Cloud

IBM is further bolstering its cloud play with the acquisition of Platform Computing, a cluster and grid management software provider that will let Big Blue offer high performance computing (HPC) in the cloud to larger enterprises and ones with intense needs.

Intriguingly, IBM’s official press release on the acquisition doesn’t mention the word “cloud” once. But Platform Computing’s software already powers several enterprise cloud platforms behind the scenes, and an IBM spokesperson confirmed that under its new ownership that aspect of the business will only be developed further.

Essentially, IBM is envisioning an ecosystem where Platform Computing technology turns IBM servers and systems into complete all-in-one solutions that help organizations that need to do analysis, modeling, simulations or analytics.

To wit, Helene Armitage, general manager of IBM Systems Software, offered the following perspective:

“IBM considers the acquisition of Platform Computing to be a strategic element for the transformation of HPC into the high growth segment of technical computing and an important part of our smarter computing strategy. This acquisition can be leveraged across IBM as we enhance our IBM offerings and solutions, providing clients with technology that helps draw insights to fuel critical business decisions or breakthrough science.” 

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it looks as though IBM will be keeping on all of Platform Computing’s 2,000-ish customers. And IBM is hoping that Platform Computing’s OEM and ISV partners expand the offering further.

Oh, and one other thing: that IBM spokesperson’s message to TalkinCloud included the interesting tidbit that the company is expecting no less than $7 billion in cloud revenue by 2015. Will it get there? TalkinCloud will be watching closely.