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IBM, Blackboard Team up on Infrastructure Management, Cognitive Solutions

Blackboard and IBM have entered a partnership that will include the latter managing the ed tech company's datacenters and cloud infrastructure. The two will also work to produce new education solutions using IBM's cognitive computing technology, Watson, and Blackboard's suite.

"Under the agreement, IBM will manage much of Blackboard's technology infrastructure, including the company's 28 global data centers and its existing public cloud footprint," according to a news release. "IBM will also provide support for Blackboard's expanding use of the public cloud. Blackboard will leverage IBM's expertise and software to offer customers some of the most flexible, reliable, security-rich and resilient environments available."

IBM will also help Blackboard move its applications and datacenters to the public cloud in an effort to improve service for Blackboard customers.

"Working with Blackboard builds on our ongoing commitment to education, to learning and to creating an environment where our clients can continue to focus on developing innovative solutions to the challenges faced by educators," said Philip Guido, IBM general manager of global technology services for North America, in a prepared statement. "By working with us in this transformative journey, Blackboard is accelerating its ability to deliver agile solutions via the cloud that enhance the educational experience."

"I'm excited by the new opportunities working with IBM will bring to Blackboard customers," said Bill Ballhaus, Blackboard chairman, CEO and president, in a news release. "We will continue to focus on what we do best — delivering the best educational technologies and solutions that benefit learners — while we work with IBM to help ensure our customers' systems are  protected and secure. At the same time, this broad agreement enables us to expand our service into new markets, and develop cutting-edge technologies together with IBM Watson."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

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