Big Blue heads for the Emerald Isle

IBM has revealed plans to build a cloud computing centre in Dublin.

The new facility will allow developers to access a cloud computing system in which multiple machines operate as a single distributed computing system.

Cloud computing systems allow researchers and developers to run extremely processor intensive tasks quickly by distributing the CPU workload.

IBM also plans to offer training on the cloud systems for lecturers at the Dublin Institute of Technology's School of Computing.

"Our investments in cloud computing are a prime example of how IBM is seeking out emerging global market opportunities and new computing models that benefit clients," said Steve Mills, senior vice president and group executive for IBM's software group.

The Dublin centre will be part of a larger effort by IBM to push cloud computing. The company is building a number of new installations around the world, and unveiled a similar cloud computing centre in China last month.

IBM is also behind several projects to push cloud computing education, such as a partnership with Google which allows students to access a cloud computing centre for school projects and training.