IBM ties up with IIT Madras, Shiv Nadar varsity

Instituitions have selected IBM HPC solutions to aid high-end research, refine processes and elevate the IT infrastructure in universities

Technology major IBM today tied up with IIT Madras, Karunya and Shiv Nadar universities to deploy its 'smarter computing' technology aimed at improving the education process, introduce new curricula and prepare the students for future jobs.

"IIT Madras, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Karunya University in Coimbatore and the Shiv Nadar University (SNU) have selected IBM high performance computing (HPC) solutions to aid high-end research, refine processes and elevate the IT infrastructure in universities," IBM said in a statement, without disclosing the financial details.

According to technology market researcher IDC, about 5% of the USD 40-billion domestic IT market, including hardware, software and IT services, was contributed by the education sector.

This market is expected to grow at nearly 12% through 2017, presenting growth opportunities for IT companies like IBM.

"With education being high on the public agenda, the agreement recognises the increasing relevance of smarter computing as an approach to IT," IBM India/South Asia mid- market and inside sales leader Tobby Kakkamthottil said.

IBM already has partnerships with various educational institutes aimed at enhancing curriculum, competitive skills of students as well as making them industry-ready.