IBM Unveils Fast, Open Alternative to Event-Driven Programming

IBM Bluemix OpenWhisk to usher in new era of extreme simplification in application development

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Feb 23, 2016, 02:12 ET

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM InterConnect -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced a new open, event-driven platform that lets developers build more feature-rich apps, quickly and easily, that automatically trigger responses to events.

The IBM Bluemix OpenWhisk platform enables developers to quickly build microservices that execute software code in response to events such as the clicking of a mouse or the receiving of sensor data from any IOT device. When an event occurs, the code is automatically executed. As a result, developers need not worry about things like pre-provisioning infrastructure, such as servers or operations –they can simply focus on code, dramatically speeding up the process.

The new IBM Bluemix OpenWhisk provides developers with a unique set of capabilities to rapidly turn ideas into business value:

Chaining. Built-in chaining enables teams to individually develop small pieces of code or microservices and later quickly connect them together in a sequence.
Integrated Container Support. Any custom code put in a Docker container can be run, eliminating vendor lock-in and providing more freedom and control for developers who need to exploit legacy code in their event handlers.
Language Support, Including Swift. Support for multiple languages including Node.js and Swift gives app developers greater flexibility.
Built-in Cognitive Capabilities. Use of Watson enables apps to be written that perform cognitive analysis and provide unique and transformative experiences.

With Bluemix OpenWhisk small teams can break down complex problems and work on smaller pieces of code simultaneously, quickly and simply. The new offering also gives developers choice through support of Swift, Node.js, or custom code packaged in a Docker container. The support of Swift enables developers to use a common language for the apps running on the mobile device and the corresponding mobile backend, meaning companies are no longer forced to build skills in multiple programming languages.

IBM also announced the contribution of Bluemix OpenWhisk to open source to generate a powerful ecosystem of event providers and consumers and grow the platform. IBM has built-in support for popular Bluemix services like Watson and Weather. Developers will reap the benefits of a large open ecosystem who will grow and advance the platform.

"Between the openness of Bluemix OpenWhisk and its built-in cognitive capabilities, developers are provided a new way to create next-generation apps for this rapidly evolving multi-cloud and hybrid cloud world," said Angel Diaz, Vice President, Cloud Architecture & Technology, IBM Cloud. "IBM will usher in a new era in app and microservices development."

Bluemix OpenWhisk is available today on IBM Bluemix and the open source community can be found here.

About IBM
For more information go to IBM.com/Cloud.

Media Contact:
Mike Zimmerman
IBM Media Relations
585-698-9974

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SOURCE IBM