IBM opens cloud computing laboratory in Hong Kong

IBM has announced the opening of its 10th cloud computing lab and the first lab of any major IT vendor in Hong Kong.

IBM said that the new centre serves as a world class development facility for Web 2.0, cloud mail and collaboration for businesses of all sizes around the globe.

The key to IBM's development efforts worldwide for public cloud collaboration services, the lab will support the dramatic growth of cloud collaboration by governments and companies.

According to IBM, the global cloud computing market is expected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 28 per cent from $47 billion in 2008 to $126 billion by 2012.

The services delivered by the lab will help businesses worldwide transform communications and collaboration and foster innovation while enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. IBM's LotusLive delivers a suite of collaboration and social networking services including email, instant messaging, file-sharing, Web meetings and project management starting at $3 per user per month.

A big part of IBM's mission for LotusLive is to develop public cloud collaboration services with a focus on security for enterprises and entrepreneurs alike. IBM believes that security is essential as companies consider using the cloud for business applications such as email and collaboration without the vulnerabilities demonstrated by consumer-based cloud services.