Systems integrators and outsourcers have done very well over the years servicing IBM customers.  Building data centers from the ground up, integrating middleware and configuring it all in a secure manner can keep a technical services team filled up with work.

But this week at IBM Impact, the new PureApplications System provided more proof that the services market is amidst rapid change.

IBM PureApplications is at its most basic about automation. It can automate much of the technical integrations that have historically been the domain of services providers.

To support the channel, IBM announced this week a way for services providers to market their own “patterns.” The patterns come as part of a new Virtual Pattern Kit to enable clients and business partners to convert technology expertise into reusable, downloadable packages of their own.

It complements the patterns that are already being created by both IBM and  about 125 Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). Once designed, these patterns are embedded directly into the PureSystems machines to automate manual and administrative IT tasks.

IBM will also offer clients and business partners access to the PureSystems family to create and test their patterns through the IBM SmartCloud. This will help organizations simplify data center operations, and capitalize on the massive cost savings and efficiency gains PureSystems delivers.

Systems integrators see an opportunity in the new IBM offering.

“It may erode technical services but it will also mean higher value opportunities,” said Philippe Lecoq, CEO, Alphinat, which provides application developmnent services.

How will this play out? It means that services providers should do just fine if they can adapt to providing higher end services. Hardware capabilities are becoming embedded in software. The outcome: DevOps. The new hardware and software integrations mean that IT people need to rethink how they fit in this new world. Certifications and training are important but the new opportunity comes with learning the new ways of the DevOps enterprise.