IBM has introduced a new line of cloud systems and services that aim to simplify the movement of data across hybrid environments.

The headline act is a new IBM Power Systems for Cloud that’s integrated with OpenStack-based cloud management and elastic consumption models. The idea here is that this new server line and architecture makes it easier for companies to move data for AIX, IBM I and Linux workloads to a local cloud.

Big Blue has also rolled out a new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering called IBM z Systems Operational Insights for the cloud. The new solution enables users to view performance data via a GUI dashboard, and make application decisions based on the trends they spot. It works in tandem with the newly-released IBM Common Data Provider, which enables z Systems data to be processed in close to real-time, IBM said.

Then there’s IBM’s new Spectrum Copy Data Management product, which is designed to increase agility and efficiency across traditional and newer-generation applications via the use of managed data copies. The company also touted an updated version of it Spectrum Protect product, with new cloud object storage functionality to make it useful in hybrid cloud deployments.

“Today’s business environment is very dynamic and filled with disruption,” said Tom Rosamilia, senior vice president of IBM Systems, in a statement. “A hybrid cloud model enables clients to continuously adapt while also optimizing on-premises investments.”

In what was a busy day for IBM announcements, the company also revealed new and expanded collaborations between IBM Systems and partner firms including Hortonworks Inc. and Red Hat Inc.

IBM said it’s planning to collaborate with Red Hat to jointly build new products based on the open-source provider’s portfolio, which includes its flagship Red Hat Enterprise Linux platform and Red Hat Virtualization. As for Hortonworks, the two companies announced the planned availability of Hortonworks Data Platform for IBM Power Systems, which means POWER8 users will be able to support new data sources for their existing apps.

IBM also announced a series of new and expanded partnerships with Canonical Ltd., Mirantis Inc. and NGINX Inc. around its Power Systems products.

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