IBM Cloud now Connected to BT’s ‘Cloud of Clouds’

BT announced the launch of a new service to provide global businesses with direct access to IBM Cloud via the BT network. BT Cloud Connect Direct for IBM offers businesses the benefits of highly predictable, security-rich and reliable network performance when building and deploying critical business applications and data on the IBM Cloud.

With Cloud Connect Direct for IBM, BT customers receive a dedicated, high-performance connection to the IBM Cloud so they can access services including compute, network and storage infrastructure as well as an extensive catalogue spanning AI, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), data and analytics capabilities. Direct cloud connectivity helps businesses achieve better performance, security and availability compared to connecting over the open Internet.

Cloud Connect Direct for IBM is being delivered into IBM Cloud data centres in the UK via IBM Cloud Direct Link, a network service designed to secure and accelerate data transfer between private infrastructure and the public cloud.

This will be followed in the coming months with direct connectivity into IBM Cloud data centres in mainland Europe, the US, Australia and Asia, optimising performance and compliance for customers in those regions. Cloud Connect Direct for IBM will be managed and supported from a single BT-managed service desk, providing proactive management and quality of service.

Keith Langridge, VP of network services at BT, said: “Cloud Connect Direct for IBM is designed to help businesses fully harness the potential of high-value digital services delivered via IBM Cloud. Businesses deploying IBM Cloud services can now benefit from improved performance, security and reliability, creating a rich digital experience for their customers and employees.”

Kit Linton, VP of network, IBM Cloud, said: “Enterprises are rapidly turning to the cloud to modernize their core applications and build cloud-native solutions that leverage AI, IoT, Blockchain and more. The collaboration with BT will help enterprises around the world seamlessly connect to the IBM Cloud so they can maximize their data and generate new business value.”

Cloud Connect Direct for IBM leverages BT’s global network reach, spanning 198 countries and territories. The service is designed, implemented and supported as part of the customer’s existing network infrastructure. This means less redesign, less change and more consistency with existing network practice when connecting to new cloud services.

Cloud Connect Direct for IBM is available to customers globally. Cloud Connect Direct for IBM is the latest development in BT’s Cloud of Clouds portfolio strategy, which has been helping customers since 2015 on their digital transformation journeys by connecting them easily and securely to a world-class ecosystem of cloud services, applications and data.