International Business Machines Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

IBM has launched new Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) services aimed at facilitating organizations' transition to cloud-based security models. This initiative responds to a Forrester study indicating that 78% of surveyed organizations plan to implement SASE within the next year. The new services leverage IBM's expertise in security along with Zscaler's technology, addressing the challenges posed by hybrid work environments. IBM’s SASE offering includes enhanced access management for hybrid workforces, third-party access, and support for mergers and acquisitions.

On August 23, 2021, IBM revealed the Telum Processor at the Hot Chips conference, designed to enhance real-time fraud detection in enterprise workloads. This innovative chip utilizes on-chip acceleration for AI inferencing, marking a significant advancement after three years of development. Telum aims to transform fraud detection into prevention, addressing a critical need as reported losses to fraud reached $3.3 billion in 2020. Utilizing 7nm EUV technology, Telum allows for efficient AI processing near mission-critical data, enhancing capabilities in banking, finance, and insurance sectors.

IBM has received official recognition from the American Council on Education (ACE) for its 21st-century apprenticeship program, which now allows participants to earn up to 45 college credits for their apprenticeship training. This initiative is designed to help apprentices fast-track their education towards an associate's or bachelor's degree while gaining industry-relevant skills. Over 1,000 apprentices have trained through this program, which underscores IBM's commitment to bridging the skills gap in technology and enhancing economic mobility for underserved populations.

IBM and Black & Veatch have announced a strategic collaboration to enhance Asset Performance Management (APM) solutions. This partnership aims to integrate IBM Maximo Application Suite with Black & Veatch's remote monitoring technologies, utilizing AI and near real-time data analytics to optimize asset performance. They plan to expand the IBM Digital Twin Exchange, allowing for greater accessibility to digital twin models. This initiative addresses challenges in operational efficiency, offering predictive maintenance capabilities to minimize equipment downtime and extend asset longevity.

IBM's subsidiary, The Weather Company, has been recognized as the "most accurate weather forecast provider globally" by ForecastWatch in a comprehensive study. The report assessed 1,424 locations over four years, analyzing 140 million forecasts. The Weather Company was 3.5 times more likely to be the most accurate provider, with increasing accuracy over the years. Utilizing AI and advanced technology, the company offers superior precision in weather predictions, catering to over 2 billion devices daily. This recognition underscores IBM's commitment to innovation in weather forecasting.

Kyndryl, IBM's Managed Infrastructure Services business, announced the appointment of David Wyshner as the new Chief Financial Officer.

With significant experience in spin-offs and acquisitions, Wyshner aims to enhance Kyndryl's financial strategy. Previously, he led the global finance organization at XPO Logistics and played a key role at Wyndham Worldwide during its separation into public companies.

Kyndryl, expected to separate by the end of 2021, focuses on managing technology infrastructure for major businesses.

IBM and SAP announced a partnership to onboard SAP finance and data management solutions to IBM Cloud for Financial Services on July 28, 2021. This collaboration aims to enhance cloud adoption in the financial sector by ensuring compliance, security, and innovation. The IBM Cloud for Financial Services provides a secure environment for financial institutions to engage with partners while addressing regulatory standards. The integration is expected to drive operational efficiencies and unlock revenue opportunities amidst stringent industry demands.

The 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report by IBM reveals that data breaches now average $4.24 million per incident, the highest in 17 years, reflecting a 10% increase since last year. The report highlights the impact of remote work, which raises breach costs by over $1 million. Healthcare breaches are the most expensive, averaging $9.23 million. However, businesses adopting AI, hybrid cloud, and zero trust approaches reported reduced costs, saving up to $1.49 million. Organizations that modernized their security measures were better positioned to handle breaches efficiently.

The IBM board has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.64 per share, scheduled for payment on September 10, 2021, to stockholders on record as of August 10, 2021. With this dividend, IBM reinforces its commitment to shareholders, marking over 100 years of consecutive quarterly dividends since 1916.