Free IBM Cloud Platform for developers…yeah, that’s a big deal. That platform being based on the latest IBM POWER7 and POWER7+ processor-based servers running Linux, AIX and IBM i operating systems…very big deal indeed!

Big Blue has just announced the IBM Power Development Platform (PDP) which will allow no-charge access, via cloud, to Power Systems servers for building, porting and testing applications. The thought behind it is that Linux developers will be especially interested because most of them need more powerful, more modern servers that can handle the new wave of open, collaborative apps built for Big Data, mobile and social business computing.

The PDP offers users access to the same Power platform that, together with Linux, powers IBM’s Watson and includes a new Linux porting image with IBM DB2 10.x, IBM WebSphere 8.5.5, and the latest Linux development tools for Power.

"The new era of computing upon us requires more from technology infrastructure -- faster insights, greater efficiency, tighter collaboration," said Doug Balog, General Manager of IBM Power Systems. "Now more than ever we're seeing a lot of new, exciting things being done on the Power platform. Our new development cloud will serve as a springboard for innovation from a talented development community. Providing cloud access to Power accelerates the development of applications that deliver even greater business value to our clients."

The Power Development Platform evolved from IBM’s Virtual Loaner Program which allowed limited access to Power Systems technology. After feedback,program especially from the Linux community, IBM dramatically overhauled that program including substantially increased capacity, additional Linux development tools, improved reservation navigation and deeper social media integration to provide users with more news and information.   You can access the cloud-based Power Development Platform through IBM's PartnerWorld program at www.ibm.com/partnerworld/pdp. We’d love to hear your feedback on it.