Is it easy for professors to get academic versions of software from IBM? I'm developing a big data algorithms course, and would love to teach students how to use IBM's InfoSphere streams platform, which I once used years ago. Does anyone have experience reaching out to companies like IBM to request a version for academic purposes? First I'd need a version for me to play with and develop course materials, then maybe one for students (perhaps at a discounted price) to learn during the course. I've poked around IBM's website, but can't find any clear "contact us" email address. Hoping someone here can suggest a way forward. Thanks!
This is a question to ask on the SIGCSE mailing list. A member there was primarily an educator and now works as a sort of liaison to the SIGCSE community. She will probably respond to such a question. 

I suspect that they still have grants available that, with some work on your part, might solve your needs. You might need to write up a research proposal, of course. Easy? Maybe no. Possible? Maybe yes.