infoTECH Feature

September 14, 2015

IBM Acquires StrongLoop to Foster Development of IoT, Mobility and Cloud Apps

In a strategic move to capitalize on trends in mobility, cloud-based Web applications and the Internet of Things (IoT), IBM (News - Alert) has acquired software provider StrongLoop. The company specializes in application development software that facilitates API creation and deployment.

StrongLoop’s Node.js will be integrated with IBM’s software portfolio to help its clients make better use of enterprise data and conduct transactions, both on premises and in the cloud. Joining IBM’s MobileFirst and WebSphere development tools, the development framework will help users create scalable APIs with the goal of easily connecting to back-end processes using front-end Web, IoT an mobility apps. All connectivity can take place within open, hybrid cloud architectures.

"Enterprises are focused on digital transformation to reach new channels, tap new business models, and personalize their engagement with clients," said Marie Wieck, general manager, middleware, IBM Systems. "APIs are a critical ingredient. By bringing together StrongLoop's Node.js capabilities to rapidly create APIs with IBM's leadership in Java and API Management on our cloud platform, we are unlocking the innovation potential of two vibrant development communities."

Benefits of the acquisition include giving Node.js developers access to IBM’s Bluemix PaaS, bringing them together with the Java development community. Fostering development has been part of IBM’s strategy in committing to open source technologies like Apache, OpenStack, Cloud Foundry and Eclipse. StrongLoop cloud capabilities are also expected to be added to IBM’s IoT platform, which includes Bluemix, security and analytics.

GoDaddy is already using the StrongLoop LoopBack Framework to develop APIs for domain name creation for its network of partners and is a proponent of Node.js.

"Node.js has been a strategic technology and key to innovating at GoDaddy," said Elissa Murphy, CTO at GoDaddy. "With partners like StrongLoop, the Node.js community has enabled us to develop and deliver world-class products. StrongLoop helped accelerate our reseller program, driving growth for our partners."




Edited by Dominick Sorrentino
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