Fundacion German Sanchez Ruiperez and IBM Implement a Cloud Computing Solution for Education

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it has implemented a cloud computing solution for Fundacion German Sanchez Ruiperez, a Spanish foundation that promotes education. The new cloud solution will be used in the Foundation's education programs in its Centre for Advanced Technologies (CITA), allowing students to access course materials over any device via the Internet.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

IBM has delivered the design, implementation and maintenance of this desktop cloud solution that brings enhancements in productivity, flexibility and security while reducing the complexity and investment costs associated with current IT solutions. The Foundation, through CITA, has provided the platform for testing the solution and its knowledge about IT integration in the classroom.

The IBM Smart Business Desktop Cloud will be used by the Foundation students between the ages of 7 and 13 for their summer course material. Students will have access to education materials to follow the courses and create their own content. By using the IBM Smart Business Desktop Cloud, they can also collaborate with other students using social networks, communities and web/video conferences.

By using this solution, teachers will be able to completely focus on course content and rather than addressing and solving IT issues. Parents or relatives will be able to support the students with their education since the virtual classroom can be accessed from any device with Internet access.

According to Joaquin Pinto, manager of the International Centre for Advanced Technologies for the Foundation in Salamanca, "since its creation, the Foundation is offering our experience in education, human resources and the expertise of our technicians for these kinds of initiatives that promote technological innovation in education."

"Smarter education goes beyond providing computers and digitalizing contents. It is about using innovation in education. Teachers don't have to spend time on today's technical complexity as is the reality today," said Alberto Barrientos, public sector leader, IBM Spain, Portugal, Greece and Israel.

About Fundacion German Sanchez Ruiperez

Fundacion German Sanchez Ruiperez it was created in 1981 by the Spanish publisher German Sanchez Ruiperez. Dedicated to the educational and cultural activity, the foundation focuses most of its programs in the dissemination and extension of the culture of books and reading.

Their work is developed through the activity of its technical centers that integrate a team of professionals who manage various programs. The CITA is an innovative bet to introduce the Society of Information and Knowledge in the rural environment through the qualification of human resources, the access to the flow of information and the creation of technological services applied to education, constant formation, local government, culture and equality.

About IBM

For more information, visit www.ibm.com/services.

SOURCE IBM Corporation