Beijing University of Technology is one of almost two dozen global educational institutions that have signed on to a new cloud computing initiative from IBM.

IBM has launched the IBM Cloud Academy, a global forum for educators, researchers and information technology personnel from the education industry to pursue cloud computing initiatives, develop skills and share best practices for reducing operating costs while improving quality and access to education. Seventeen educational institutions worldwide are the first to participate in the Cloud Academy, and Beijing University of Technology in China is the sole representative from China.

"Cloud computing makes it easier for those in the education industry, including students, faculty and administrators, to gain immediate access to a wide range of new educational resources and research applications and tools" stated Michael King, vice president, IBM Global Education Industry.

The IBM Cloud Academy will enable these institutions and other participants to collaborate using an IBM-managed cloud, available via the Internet, lowering barriers to entry for the development and contribution of subject matter expertise. A vital aspect of the IBM Cloud Academy will be the development of new technologies and research methods.

Participants will have access to IBM's public cloud services, including LotusLive for administration collaboration, IBM Desktop Cloud Services, delivery services for Virtual Computing Labs, and Corporate Citizenship Education Projects, such as PowerUp, Forbidden City and TryScience.