IBM Builds a Cloud Computing Platform in China

IBM Builds a Cloud Computing Platform in China

IBM has been contracted to build a cloud computing platform that will improve the life of citizens in China via an online portal for a range of social services. A citizen livelihood service information network will cover a population of 300 million.

The company has been selected by Yi Lian Zhong Information Technology (YLZ), a provider of information services in China, which will use an IBM System z mainframe running Linux as the foundation to expand its existing services available in Fujian Province to seven more Chinese provinces.

Known for its reliability, security and cost effectiveness, System z can also scale easily and will help YLZ to manage transaction peaks and valleys without incurring additional costs.

Through their new cloud platform, IBM and YLZ will aim to meet the Chinese government’s 12th five-year-plan dedicated to develop programs to improve the citizen’s overall well-being.

In addition to enabling the sharing of public resources and information, the new cloud services platform will support service integration, improve government efficiency and ensure effective administration of citizen services.

As per the agreement between YLZ and IBM, the data and business application will be integrated through the cloud of all participating organizations. This integration will allow the residents in the rural areas to access the same services as residents in cities.

Thanks to the alliance between the two companies, Chinese citizens will be able to access a range of services from one portal, including payment of social insurance contributions and utilities, account transfers, medical fee reimbursements, and medical and unemployment benefits.

Citizens will also be able to access information about job and training opportunities and benefit from support services for scheduling clinical appointments, self-service medical fee settlement, case referral and group diagnosis.

By Anuradha Shukla