IBM Watson Technology Available as Development Platform

RMN Digital | November 14, 2013 | Americas, Applications, Corporate, Enterprise, Feature, Regions, Strategy | No Comments

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that, for the first time, it will make its IBM Watson technology available as a development platform in the cloud.

The idea is to enable a worldwide community of software application providers to build a new generation of apps infused with Watson’s cognitive computing intelligence.

The move aims to spur innovation and fuel a new ecosystem of entrepreneurial software application providers – ranging from start-ups and emerging, venture capital backed businesses to established players.

Together with IBM, these business partners share a vision for creating a new class of cognitive applications that transform how businesses and consumers make decisions, says IBM.

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To bring this shared vision to life, IBM will be launching the IBM Watson Developers Cloud, a cloud-hosted marketplace where application providers of all sizes and industries will be able to tap into resources for developing Watson-powered apps.

This will include a developer toolkit, educational materials and access to Watson’s application programming interface (API).

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IBM partners that build Watson-powered apps in the cloud will be able to choose from two sources of data-driven content, to prepare their apps to uncover insights for users.

App providers can use their own company’s data, or access the IBM Watson Content Store, featuring third-party content that offers data-rich resources.

IBM will also connect its app-building partners with skilled professionals who can help advance their creative visions into market-ready products and services. IBM has committed more than 500 of its own subject matter experts as part of the overall program, in areas such as design, development and research.

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In addition, application providers participating in the ecosystem are expected to be able to connect with freelance professionals whose expertise can serve as a complement to their existing teams, from programmers to app developers.

“By sharing IBM Watson’s cognitive abilities with the world, we aim to fuel a new ecosystem that accelerates innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Michael Rhodin, senior VP, IBM Software Solutions Group.

In the picture above: Michael Rhodin, senior VP, IBM Software Solutions Group (center) explores new IBM Watson-powered apps. Jack Plunkett/Feature Photo Service for IBM.