International Business Machines Corporation develops enterprise technology across software, consulting, hardware, hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. News from IBM centers on AI platforms and services, including watsonx, IBM Enterprise Advantage, IBM Consulting Advantage, IBM Sovereign Core, watsonx Orchestrate and Red Hat technologies for hybrid and regulated environments.
Recurring updates also cover IBM Consulting client work, industry and cloud collaborations, research milestones in quantum-centric supercomputing, AI-enabled application experiences, and IBM Institute for Business Value studies on enterprise adoption and governance of AI.
IBM announced new AI-powered automation solutions in collaboration with Flexera to streamline IT asset management across hybrid, multi-cloud environments. This initiative aims to help organizations reduce costs and enhance software license compliance. A Flexera study indicated that 34% of IT budgets are allocated to software, yet many enterprises struggle with license management. IBM's integration of Turbonomic and Flexera One offers real-time insights for better optimization. The launch is part of IBM's broader strategy to address complexities in IT operations.
AFS has announced the launch of a new container-based deployment model for its AFSVision platform, enabled by IBM’s Red Hat OpenShift. This cloud-native version enhances efficiency and security for financial institutions, allowing for easier installation across private, public, and hybrid clouds. Recently delivered to a U.S. subsidiary of a top global bank with over €2.5 trillion in assets, this release offers improved flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency. AFS continues to lead in providing real-time lending solutions, processing over $3 trillion in loans daily.
Capital Clarity announced its advisory role in Neudesic's acquisition by IBM on March 8, 2022. Neudesic is a leading U.S. cloud services consultancy specializing in Microsoft Azure, offering comprehensive digital transformation services across various industries. The firm has over 1,500 experts and a strong presence in the health, finance, and retail sectors. Financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but the deal was finalized in Q4 2021. This acquisition is expected to enhance IBM's capabilities in cloud services and technology-driven solutions.
Red Hat, Inc.
announced the expansion of its training offerings for partners, allowing them to access Red Hat Training courses for free. This initiative aims to enhance skills in delivering open hybrid cloud solutions and includes 17 self-paced courses available in eight languages. A study by IDC indicated that organizations utilizing Red Hat Training can achieve a three-year ROI of 365%. The offerings are part of Red Hat's ongoing commitment to support partners in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
IBM Security's 2022 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index reveals that ransomware attacks increased significantly in 2021, particularly targeting the manufacturing sector, which experienced 23% of all attacks. Unpatched vulnerabilities were responsible for 44% of ransomware incidents, highlighting the need for improved vulnerability management. The report also noted a concerning trend of cybercriminals shifting their focus to cloud environments, with a 146% rise in new Linux ransomware code. The average lifespan of ransomware groups remains at 17 months, indicating a persistent threat.
IBM has announced a multi-million dollar investment in a new Security Command Center in Bengaluru, India, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity for organizations across Asia Pacific. This center, the first of its kind in the region, will offer realistic simulated cyberattack training to equip businesses against rising threats, as Asia was the most-targeted region for cyberattacks in 2021, accounting for 26% of such incidents. The initiative includes the establishment of a Security Operations Center providing 24/7 security response services globally.
On February 22, 2022, Worley, ABB, and IBM announced a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on green hydrogen facilities. This partnership aims to develop an integrated solution that enables energy companies to build and manage green hydrogen plants more efficiently. Green hydrogen, produced through renewable-powered electrolysis, faces high production costs, which this collaboration seeks to address. Worley will lead project execution, ABB will enhance electrical and automation systems, and IBM will provide systems integration and data solutions.
IBM has launched the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, a two-year global pro bono program aimed at improving the operations of non-profit and government organizations that address environmental threats. Utilizing IBM's technologies, such as hybrid cloud and AI, the program will support selected organizations in two phases: the first focusing on identifying needs and creating a development roadmap, and the second on deploying tailored technological solutions. The 2022 cohort will emphasize clean energy, with applications due by April 30, 2022.
IBM has launched its most significant brand initiative in over a decade, titled "Let's create." Aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration, this platform invites clients and partners to co-create solutions utilizing IBM's hybrid cloud and AI technology. The initiative reflects the company's transformation following the spin-off of its managed infrastructure services business. The campaign will roll out in three chapters, focusing first on IBM's core capabilities, then showcasing client success stories, and finally highlighting innovative creators across various sectors.
IBM has acquired Neudesic, a leading U.S. cloud services consultancy specializing in Microsoft Azure. This acquisition enhances IBM's portfolio of hybrid multicloud services and strengthens its AI strategy. Since Arvind Krishna became CEO in April 2020, IBM has acquired over 20 companies, with Neudesic being its latest. The firm adds over 1,500 cloud experts and augments IBM's capabilities across various cloud platforms. Financial details of the acquisition are undisclosed, marking a significant step in IBM's ongoing investment in cloud services.