IBM this week debuted a suite of free, cloud-based applications designed for students and faculty that want to incorporate more technology into their core studies. Datamation takes a closer look at the new Academic Skills Cloud and how it could pay big dividends for Big Blue down the road.
IBM on Wednesday announced it will make several parts of its extensive software portfolio available in a cloud-computing environment as part of a plan to make it easier for professors around the world to incorporate technology into their curricula.
Company officials said IBM worked with more than 200 academic and technology leaders to figure out the best ways to integrate IT learning into all aspects of a college education to improve student’s overall aptitude for information management, business analytics, digitized records and green technologies.
The Academic Skills Cloud is free and gives colleges and universities the added benefit of not having to pay for any of the infrastructure required in the past to offer a suite of BI and IT management applications.
It also gives IBM (NYSE: IBM) an opportunity to expand its brand and make an early impression on the next generation of engineers, developers and business leaders as they become familiar with Big Blue’s software components.