IBM tries to bolster cloud growth with developer tools

IBM's efforts to bolster its cloud offerings could get a boost from new developer tools it is unveiling on Thursday.

The tools are aimed at helping IBM stake out more of a claim to an area key to its growth: the network of computers known as the cloud, where its customers are increasingly stashing more of their data and computing work.

In doing so, they often sidestep more expensive IBM technology, meaning IBM needs to bolster its own cloud offerings to compete.

The new tools help developers work faster, build more functions into existing software applications and create predictive analytics apps. They form part of IBM's Bluemix service, designed for building Web and mobile apps.

Internet-based companies like accommodation service Airbnb and ride-service Uber have relied heavily on cloud-based software development. As well as attracting developers who work on projects for newer companies, IBM hopes to attract more established companies with which it has long-term relationships.

"IBM has a tremendous asset," Derek Schoettle, general manager for IBM's analytics platform and cloud data services, said of its customer base. "Helping them taking advantage of cutting-edge data services is a built-in advantage."

The offerings compete against toolkits offered by Microsoft and others, he said, but offer more management.

Once built on IBM's platform, the apps will be compatible with services offered by many cloud providers.

Over 100,000 apps a month are launched using Bluemix, IBM said.

When IBM reported its financial results last month, it said that while revenue fell overall to $81.7 billion for the year, cloud revenue grew 43 percent to $10 billion.