IBM announced it has acquired Node.js specialist StrongLoop, giving the systems, software and services giant a leg up on expertise in one of the fastest growing development frameworks for creating and delivering APIs.
The move brings additional Node.js talent into IBM as the company sets its sights on the enterprise Node.js space. There are approximately 11 million JavaScript and Node developers who are a ready source of talent for building APIs for today's digital landscape.
Financial terms of IBM's deal to acquire San Mateo, Calif.-based StrongLoop were not disclosed.
IBM is a founding member and current platinum member of the Node.js Foundation while StrongLoop employs many of the top contributors within the community and is an active sponsor and evangelist for Node.js. Just last week, an IBM executive was appointed to the Board of Directors at the Node.js Foundation.
Further reading
StrongLoop provides tools to help developers connect enterprise applications to mobile, Internet of Things (IoT) and Web applications in the cloud. The company also provides DevOps tools. StrongLoop’s application development software enables developers to build applications using APIs. APIs are pieces of software that act as technology glue for integrating applications, data and business processes that connect businesses with customers, partners and employees.
“Enterprises are focused on digital transformation to reach new channels, tap new business models, and personalize their engagement with clients,” said Marie Wieck, general manager of middleware for IBM Systems, in a statement. “APIs are a critical ingredient. By bringing together StrongLoop’s Node.js capabilities to rapidly create APIs with IBM’s leadership in Java and API Management on our cloud platform, we are unlocking the innovation potential of two vibrant development communities.”
With the big data phenomenon and the emergence of cloud environments, developers are using APIs to create protocols and routines that specify how one application can interact with another application. For example, developers can create new information assets by combining data and services shared by other organizations, ranging from startups to global enterprises, to deliver new innovation and business value.
IBM will integrate StrongLoop’s Node.js capabilities with its software portfolio, which includes MobileFirst and WebSphere. This will help developers to better use enterprise data and conduct transactions whether in the cloud or on-premises. These new capabilities will enable developers to build scalable APIs, and to more easily connect existing back-end, enterprise processes with front-end mobile, IoT and web apps in an open, hybrid cloud.
The acquisition provides developers with a rich Node.js operating environment on IBM Bluemix, IBM’s platform-as-a-service. JavaScript and Java rank as two of the most popular programming languages among developers. Java remains the leading language for web applications and transaction systems. Combining StrongLoop’s tools and services with IBM’s WebSphere and Java capabilities, IBM will help developers bridge Java and Node.js development platforms, which can bring developers greater value from their application investments.
Moreover, through integration on IBM Bluemix, Java and Node.js communities will also have access today to many other IBM and third-party services including access to mobile services, data analytics and Watson.
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