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IBM announced the acquisition of StrongLoop, Inc., a software provider, to help developers connect enterprise applications to mobile, Internet of Things (IoT) and web applications in the cloud. StrongLoop is a leading provider of popular application development software -- known as enterprise Node.js -- that enables software developers to build applications using APIs (application programming interfaces).
As data becomes increasingly critical in cloud environments, developers are using APIs to create protocols and routines that specify how one application can interact with another application. For example, developers can create new information assets by combining data and services shared by other organizations, ranging from startups to global enterprises, to deliver new innovation and business value.
IBM intends to integrate Node.js capabilities from StrongLoop with its software portfolio, which already includes MobileFirst and WebSphere, to help clients better use enterprise data and conduct transactions whether in the cloud or on-premises. These new capabilities will enable clients and developers to build scalable APIs, and to more easily connect existing back-end, enterprise processes with front-end mobile, IoT and web apps in an open, hybrid cloud. Node.js is one of the fastest growing development frameworks for creating and delivering APIs.
Fast and Easy Enterprise Development in the Cloud
Starting with this acquisition, Node.js developers now have a richer, operating environment on IBM Bluemix, IBM's platform-as-a-service. JavaScript ranked as the #1 language for discussion and usage followed closely by Java. Java remains the leading language for web applications and transaction systems. Combining StrongLoop's tools and services with IBM's WebSphere and Java capabilities, IBM will help clients bridge Java and Node.js development platforms, which can enable clients to extract greater value from their application investments.
Through integration on IBM Bluemix, these Java and Node.js communities will also have access to many other IBM and third-party services including access to Mobile Services, data analytics and Watson.
Commitment to Open Source Communities
IBM's acquisition of StrongLoop continues its commitment to open source technologies and communities, including Apache, Eclipse, OpenStack, Cloud Foundry and many others.
As a founding member and Platinum member of Node.js Foundation, IBM has dedicated experts working within the foundation. IBM will continue to provide support and investment in the open Node developer community.
New Services at IBM Bluemix Garage
Developers will also benefit from IBM Cloud and developer experts who provide technical guidance on creating, managing and monetizing APIs using StrongLoop at IBM Bluemix Garages.
StrongLoop added to IBM IoT Platform
Select cloud capabilities from today's StrongLoop acquisition are expected to be incorporated into the IBM IoT Foundation, along with Bluemix, IBM's platform-as-a-service, security and analytics to provide enterprises access to a powerful IoT platform that derives insight from sensor-driven data.
IBM intends to provide global support for the StrongLoop platform by 2H16, adding language translation support for Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.
Financial terms and conditions were not released.
Keywords: Mobile, Internet of Things, Web Applications, Data Analytics, Watson, Bluemix, ARC Advisory Group.