IBM Corp. is opening a cloud-focused developer environment embedded within Ryerson University’s DMZ incubator.
IBM’s Bluemix Garage will be the first such location opened up in Canada and the third in the world following San Francisco and London. The garages are intended to help developers – from startups or enterprises alike – build applications with IBM’s suite of cloud technologies. IBM’s Bluemix platform offers a selection of APIs from IBM, open source compilations, and third-parties. The concept is that a developer could go from discovery of Bluemix to building and running an app within 30 minutes, and then an application owner can purchase the capabilities needed to maintain the app using a credit card or purchase order.
More than developers are welcome in the space, as product managers and designers are also involved in building the cloud apps. IBM supplies in-house experts to mentor the app builders on how to put its infrastructure to work.
Users of the Bluemix platform can access tools such as Watson, IBM’s Jeopardy-winning artificial intelligence product, or Cloudant’s data transit tools that are compatible with Internet of Things devices.
The Bluemix Garage model is also about connecting enterprise-level businesses with startups. It allows enterprises to adopt more of a lean startup-style approach when it comes to application development. While developing apps, members practice IBM Design Thinking, pair programming, and agile processes.
Startups interested in taking part in the DMZ incubator program can apply Ryerson DMZ website. Success is more likely for teams that have a strong business plan and a working prototype that’s either ready to launch or already in market, according to IBM.
IBM also plans to open a Bluemix garage in Melbourne and Nice in the near future.