IBM enhances support for open-source training

IBM announced on Tuesday a clutch of new initiatives to promote open-source technology in academic institutions.

The computing giant said it's expanding its relationship with Red Hat to promote teaching of open-source, standards-based skills at different levels. The two organizations will help academic bodies generate job skills on Linux, as well as training on IBM software and servers. IBM said the partnership includes a range of higher education institutions, from large research universities to vocational schools.

In a related move, IBM said it would provide curriculum resources and training in open-source technologies at Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. The training development is valued at $7 million this fiscal year with a potential for renewal for four years valued at $1.2 million per year, the company said. Technologies covered in the curriculum include database management on IBM's DB2 database software and mainframe-computing skills on an IBM zSeries eServer.






Big Blue also announced a new course, Services Sciences, Management and Engineering, designed to develop skills required for services-based economies. The course will be offered to different universities under the company's Academic Initiative, which is designed to help educators teach students open standards technology skills. The course will cover subjects such as computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, business strategy, management sciences, social and cognitive sciences, and legal sciences.