IBM Announces Blockchain-As-A-Service for Developers

The basis of the announcement came after IBM submitted almost 44,000 lines of code to the Linux Foundation's Hyperledger Project, an open-source group which IBM is a founding member of.

"In just a few short months, IBM's vision for making blockchain a powerful new business solution across multiple industries is becoming a reality as our clients begin piloting innovative new code, services and z Systems [IBM's mainframes] optimized for distributed ledgers," said Arvind Krishna, senior vice president of IBM Research, in a statement. "These advancements are making it easier for developers to move from understanding the potential of blockchain, to actually using it to change their business processes in powerful new ways."

Big Plans

Blockchain-As-A-Service is one part of the firm's plan to help in the growth of blockchain technology. Developers will have the ability to create blockchain solutions on the IBM Cloud. Blockchain services will be made available on IBM's Bluemix, where develoeprs can access DevOps tools to create, execute, run, and monitor blockchain applications on the IBM Cloud.

IBM z Systems will also be made available for an extra level of security for sensitive or regulated data.

IBM also rolled out IBM Garages, which will aid in blockchain application design and implementation opening in London, New York, Singapore and Tokyo, where IBM experts will work with developers on blockchain applications for business.

IBM Global Business Services is also expanding its blockchain consulting practice for users in the banking, financial services and logistics space. IBM Interactive Experience (IBM iX), a global digital agency, will also look to work with users to co-design use cases for blockchain in over 25 IBM Studios.

London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is partnering with IBM on its efforts to help in the blockchain movement.

"London Stock Exchange Group is directly engaged in the development of the open blockchain technologies with IBM and we are excited to help enable the creation of solutions that will help manage risk and bring additional transparency to global financial markets," said Moiz Kohari, group head of technology innovation of London Stock Exchange Group, in a statement. "We believe this technology has the potential to drive change across the industry but will need to be developed in partnership with customers and industry participants under an open source approach."