IBM has unveiled a new IT service in which IBM remotely automates, manages and supports a user's multi-platform data center, while the user retains ownership of all IT systems and staff. The new support service helps users improve the utilization and cost management of their data centers.

Developed for users that own and operate their own IT equipment, software and staff, the new support service uses IBM technology to remotely manage a client's data center. The new service is based on Universal Management Infrastructure (UMI), an IT framework created by the IBM Global Services e-Technology Center, and expands the ways in which IBM can help users become a more responsive, flexible, on demand businesses. The same technologies are already being used by IBM IT outsourcing clients to allow a fully customized on demand IT environment, in which IBM takes responsibility for IT equipment, software and staff.

"Our on demand strategy is driving change in IBM," said Richard Horton, general manager, Strategic Outsourcing, IBM Global Services. "We are capturing the know-how we've built up from more than a decade of IT outsourcing experience, and combining it with new technology and a pipeline of innovation from IBM Research into new services that help clients transform their business."

The new service helps users become more responsive to business needs by using technology that automates, manages and supports data center functions. For example, the service features sense-and-respond server and storage provisioning which increases or decreases computing capacity in real time, as demand changes.

It also helps users determine which key infrastructure components best support an on demand computing environment, as well as the IT modifications necessary to generate the greatest business impact. These changes are then prioritized and implemented within the UMI framework, enabling the users to benefit from an IT infrastructure that is flexible, scaleable, automated and able to respond to demanding business requirements.

The service is part of IBM's Infrastructure Management offerings portfolio (formerly known under the code-name "Project Symphony"), an initiative to deliver IT automation technologies and services.