International Business Machines Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kyndryl, a new public company arising from IBM's Managed Infrastructure Services separation, has appointed Michael Bradshaw as Chief Information Officer. With experience as CIO at NBC Universal and Lockheed Martin, Bradshaw will leverage his expertise to enhance Kyndryl's technology infrastructure and services.

The company aims to offer modern and reliable technology solutions, emphasizing its commitment to driving business results for clients. The separation is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2021.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced its plan to acquire Waeg, a top Salesforce Consulting Partner in Europe, to enhance its Salesforce services and bolster its hybrid cloud and AI strategy. This acquisition aims to meet the growing demand for experience-led business transformation amidst evolving customer engagement needs, leveraging data and AI. Founded in 2014, Waeg offers comprehensive Salesforce consulting, with expertise in various industries. The transaction is expected to close within the quarter, subject to customary conditions.

IBM's recent survey reveals that nearly one-third of IT professionals globally report their businesses utilize artificial intelligence (AI), with 43% accelerating AI adoption due to COVID-19. Despite the growth, challenges remain, such as lack of AI skills, increasing data complexity, and inadequate tools. The Global AI Adoption Index 2021 indicates that while AI adoption remains flat, significant investments are anticipated. Key findings highlight the importance of trustworthy AI and the integration of natural language processing to improve customer experience. IBM's initiatives focus on bridging skills gaps and enhancing AI capabilities.

IBM announced significant advancements in artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, and quantum computing at its Think conference on May 11, 2021. This initiative aims to drive digital transformations for clients, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration. Key innovations include AutoSQL, which automates data management, Watson Orchestrate for enhancing productivity, and Project CodeNet for AI's understanding of code. IBM also highlighted a $1 billion investment in its partner ecosystem to support business growth.

IBM has expanded its Global University Program with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to 40 institutions, continuing its commitment through a $100 million investment. The initiative has trained over 247 faculty members and provided free access to cloud, AI, and quantum computing resources. Partnerships with organizations like the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education will enhance access for students to industry resources. A recent report outlines strategies for businesses to cultivate diverse workforces by collaborating with HBCUs, emphasizing their role in producing STEM graduates.

IBM has announced the world's first 2 nanometer (nm) chip using nanosheet technology, representing a significant advancement in semiconductor design. This innovation is expected to deliver 45% higher performance and 75% lower energy consumption compared to current 7 nm chips. Benefits include potentially quadrupling cell phone battery life, reducing data center carbon footprints, and enhancing processing speeds for laptops and autonomous vehicles. This breakthrough reinforces IBM's position as a leader in semiconductor technology.

IBM Security has unveiled a new Software as a Service (SaaS) version of IBM Cloud Pak for Security, aimed at facilitating a zero trust architecture for organizations. The company has also formed a strategic alliance with Zscaler, enhancing the security framework with new blueprints addressing privacy, hybrid workforce security, insider threats, and hybrid cloud protection. This initiative aims to streamline security efforts and cater to the evolving needs of a mobile workforce. IBM emphasizes collaboration with technology partners to tackle security complexities in a digital-first landscape.

IBM has announced its intention to acquire Turbonomic, a Boston-based software provider specializing in Application Resource Management and Network Performance Management. This strategic move aims to enhance IBM's AI-powered automation capabilities, ensuring effective performance management and cost optimization across hybrid cloud environments. The acquisition complements IBM's earlier purchase of Instana and aligns with its vision to provide comprehensive observability tools powered by Red Hat OpenShift. Financial details were not disclosed, and the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2021.

IBM has expanded its Watson Advertising Accelerator to include OTT and video advertising. This enhancement leverages artificial intelligence to optimize ad creative dynamically, improving campaign performance without relying on traditional advertising identifiers. In partnership with Xandr, IBM aims to meet the growing demand as streaming households surpass cable. As media budgets shift, Accelerator allows brands to personalize ads at the impression level, significantly enhancing viewer engagement. Initial tests showed a 20% increase in video completion rates, marking a promising advancement in digital advertising.