International Business Machines Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

On December 15, 2020, IBM announced its membership with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste as a Supporting Member. This collaboration aims to develop the Plastics Recovery Insight and Steering Model (PRISM), a data platform hosted on IBM Cloud to track plastic waste globally. The platform will provide actionable data for stakeholders to improve waste management. The Alliance targets USD 1.5 billion over five years to fund projects that create value from plastic waste, with 14 global initiatives currently in progress.

IBM Security has announced new technology initiatives in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), aimed at enhancing security visibility across AWS and hybrid cloud environments.

This includes improved integrations with AWS security services and support for IBM's security technologies. IBM's QRadar is now available on the AWS Marketplace, allowing advanced security analytics deployment.

Additionally, IBM Security Services has achieved AWS Security Competency, reinforcing its capabilities in managing security across hybrid cloud operations.

IBM has collaborated with eProvenance to launch VinAssure™, a blockchain-based platform for monitoring wine shipments. This platform enhances transparency and accountability throughout the wine supply chain, ensuring the integrity of wines from vineyard to consumer. Utilizing IBM Cloud and advanced technologies, VinAssure™ aids multiple stakeholders, including wine producers and retailers, in optimizing traceability and efficiency. Initial membership includes De Maison Selections, with plans for further participation from major players like Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. The aim is to provide consumers with reliable product information.

IBM has announced new AI capabilities for Watson to enhance automation, natural language processing, and trust in AI outcomes. Key features include a Reading Comprehension system for precise answers from complex documents, FAQ Extraction to automate updates, and a new intent classification model for better user engagement. Additionally, Watson Discovery expands language support with 10 new languages. IBM plans to commercialize 'AI Factsheets' to provide transparency about AI products, helping build trust across industries.

IBM has entered a multiyear agreement with the Port of Los Angeles to establish a Port Cyber Resilience Center (CRC), aimed at enhancing cybersecurity readiness and threat sharing among supply chain stakeholders. The $6.8 million contract will utilize IBM Cloud Pak for Security and X-Force Threat Intelligence. This initiative will automate threat collaboration and improve responsiveness to cyber threats, ultimately supporting the Port's infrastructure investment program. The CRC serves as an early warning system, fostering collective knowledge and improving operational resilience against potential cyber incidents.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced a partnership with ABB to enhance its procurement processes through the launch of SmartBuy, a comprehensive employee purchasing program. This initiative aims to simplify procurement, offering a user-friendly experience similar to online shopping while automating supplier management tasks. Utilizing SAP Ariba solutions, SmartBuy supports ABB's goal of transforming its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, paving the way for future integration of AI and blockchain technology. IBM's strong expertise with SAP enhances the project's potential.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and The Piaggio Group (PIA.MI) have successfully completed a project to transition Piaggio's management applications to SAP S/4HANA. This upgrade enhances internal processes, providing flexible order management and real-time data analysis across Piaggio's six global industrial hubs. Initiated in Q1 2020, the migration was achieved despite COVID-19 challenges, ensuring readiness before the peak sales season. This project marks a pivotal step in Piaggio's evolution into a cognitive enterprise, leveraging technology for improved efficiency and competitiveness.

IBM has been recognized as a Leader in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud Database Management Systems. This inaugural report highlights IBM's strong offerings, including Db2 on Cloud, which features AI capabilities for managing both structured and unstructured data in hybrid environments. Gartner praised IBM's hybrid cloud integration, its AI functionalities in Db2, and its portfolio's competitive positioning compared to AWS, Microsoft, and Google. The report emphasizes opportunities for innovation in the growing cloud-focused DBMS market.