Bob Picciano: IBM Seeks to Facilitate IoT Apps Development with Open Platform Offering

IBM plans to release a new cloud-based open platform in an effort to help developers and clients build enterprise applications for managing data from connected devices.

The company said Tuesday it will also add Internet of Things services to the firm’s Bluemix platform-as-a-service offering to facilitate the integration of IoT information into cloud computing apps.

“Our knowledge of the world grows with every connected sensor and device but too often we are not acting on it, even when we know we can ensure a better result,” said Bob Picciano, senior vice president of IBM’s analytics business.

Picciano added that IoT “is a major focus of investment for IBM because it’s a rich and broad-based opportunity where innovation matters.”

The company also said it will spend $3 billion to establish an IoT subsidiary and appointed Pat Toole to lead the business.

IBM and The Weather Company have partnered to offer multiple industries weather forecast data generated from sensors, aerial and ground vehicles, smartphones and buildings.

The technology firm will also collaborate with AT&T, Esri, Semtech and Arm Holdings to help enterprise clients adopt IoT technology.