Kyndryl Cloud Uplift (formerly Skytap)

Kyndryl Cloud Uplift is a cloud service that runs IBM Power and x86 workloads natively on hardware in Microsoft Azure datacenters, so organizations can move them into Azure without rewriting or refactoring them. It supports AIX, IBM i, and Linux on Power, plus dependent x86 workloads. The service was previously sold as Skytap.

Key Capabilities

• Native IBM Power logical partitions (LPARs): Users can provision, resize, and retire IBM Power LPARs in Azure through self-service, without opening support tickets. Kyndryl states that this takes minutes.
• Workload import: The documentation covers importing VMs, LPARs, and vApps, including separate guidance for Power LPAR imports and for preparing x86 VMs and vApps.
• Environments and access: The documentation describes building environments from a quick-start guide, a networking overview, and tools for accessing VM desktops, such as a Connectivity Checker and a speed test.
• REST API: Version 1 and version 2 references, a quick start, and example scripts and clients are published for automation.
• Backup and disaster recovery: Kyndryl describes replicating production environments into Azure for failover, automated backups, and simplified disaster recovery testing. Kyndryl states a 99.95% availability SLA.
• Azure integration: Workloads run alongside Azure services such as storage, analytics, DevOps, and AI services, so organizations can modernize in stages.
• Hosting regions: Azure datacenters in the US, Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, and Australia.
• Commercial model: Consumption-based billing through Azure Marketplace, with Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) eligibility where applicable. New accounts are created through the Microsoft Marketplace, and existing subscribers log in through the Skytap cloud portal.
• Virtual IT labs: Environments can host training, demonstrations, and proofs of concept. The documentation includes a Course Manager with instructor-led training, on-demand labs, and a Learning Console.

Audience & Use Cases

• Audience: Infrastructure and platform teams, IT operations, and application owners that run AIX, IBM i, or Linux on Power systems.
• Use Case: Leaving aging data centers or avoiding IBM Power hardware refresh cycles by moving workloads into Azure unchanged.
• Use Case: Disaster recovery for IBM Power environments, using replicated environments in Azure.
• Use Case: Staged modernization, with legacy workloads staying on Power while adjacent services move to Azure.
• Use Case: Training, demonstration, and proof-of-concept environments.

Technical Specifications

• Platforms: IBM Power (AIX, IBM i, Linux on Power) and x86.
• Hosting: Microsoft Azure.
• Automation: REST API (v1 and v2) and a web console.

Lineage and Acquisition

Kyndryl announced on May 13, 2024 that it had acquired Skytap, a privately held, Seattle-based workload services provider, to expand its hybrid cloud services portfolio and strengthen its cloud partnerships. Terms were not disclosed. In the same announcement, Kyndryl said it would sell its Canadian Securities Industry Services business to Broadridge. Skytap's platform was later rebranded as Kyndryl Cloud Uplift, and a January 2026 Kyndryl article describes it as newly rebranded. Kyndryl states that existing customers keep the same platform and features, and Microsoft Azure remains the primary hosting partner.