IBM Secures Patent for Connecting Cloud With Local Data

IBM (IBM) has been awarded a patent for a technique that combines distributed cloud services with local IT systems, connecting cloud-based services with local data.

Big Blue’s technology aims to “integrate and analyze data no matter where it is stored” by integrating cloud-based big data with locally-stored business information.

IBM Cloud Infrastructure Services Vice President Dennis Quan told Talkin’ Cloud that organizations are leveraging cloud applications to “fast-track mobile applications and social collaboration tools,” while still holding onto their in-house systems of record.

The Abstract section of U.S. Patent #8,504,400: Dynamically Optimized Distributed Cloud Computing-based Business Process Management (BPM) System reads as follows:

“A workflow server can receive requests, each for a business process workflow conforming to a business process model. Each business process workflow can include a set of interdependent tasks. The workflow server can satisfy received requests by assigning tasks to different service providers that provide software services. Each of the tasks can be assigned to corresponding ones of the software services. For each task, the workflow server can also defines an allocated cost per software service, and a time allocation per software service for completing the corresponding one of the tasks. Different service providers, including those assigned to tasks, can receive information for ones of the tasks not directly assigned to them by the workflow server. The different service providers can then bid on these tasks. Wherein when bids are won, tasks for a business process flow can be reassigned based on winning bids.”

“IBM’s new patented technique could deliver a new type of hybrid system that allows organizations to gain a holistic view of in-house data along with dynamic information in cloud applications,” Quan said.

Quan noted that IBM has more than 1,400 cloud-related patents and that the company is “highlighting cloud patents to illustrate some of the results of IBM’s commitment to investing in cloud inventions and innovations that will position the company to lead in the cloud market.

The company also won a patent last month for a technique it developed to protect data prior to transmitting it to the cloud.”

IBM said it invests more than $6 billion annually in research and development, exploring “new approaches to cloud computing that will deliver a competitive advantage to the company and its clients.”

Big Blue also recently signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held mobile management and security company Fiberlink Communications to expand Big Blue’s software as a service (SaaS) portfolio.