During my MWC25 main recap article, "The power of artificial intelligence - the evolution journey," one of the tech giants I mentioned was IBM. IBM understands value and transparency and believes that AI needs to be adopted, integrated, and deployed across various platforms. Here, I delve deeper into my first thoughts after visiting their booth during MWC25 for the Analyst & Press booth tour and conducting further research.
AI and Sustainability
IBM has been working on sustainability since very early on. Did you know that in 1992, IBM helped the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launch ENERGY STAR? (More on that journey another time.) So it was only natural that, as part of its progression, they made embedding AI a regular part of the equation as we move forward into new technological eras.
With the increase in AI adoption, we are using more energy than ever. IBM's AI-driven solutions can help businesses predict and manage energy usage more efficiently. A recent IBM study found that 74% of companies in the energy and utility industry are embracing AI to tackle data-related challenges.
AI-powered predictive analytics allow companies to adjust power consumption dynamically, minimizing waste and lowering emissions. IBM’s partnership with energy sector enterprises has resulted in significant cost savings and reductions in environmental impact.
Multi-Cloud and Multi-AI Models
IBM's Luq Niazi discussed this subject. Its multi-cloud approach promotes innovation by enabling companies to function perfectly across several cloud platforms.
IBM’s partnership with UAE's Etisalat Group (e&) is an example. They are deploying a pioneering, end-to-end, multi-model Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI governance solution. The solution leverages IBM's watsonx.governance enterprise AI and data governance platform, combined with IBM Consulting’s expertise in AI implementation, build on e&’s commitment to scale AI responsibly and track ROI while addressing compliance requirements, transparency, and ethical oversight of AI models.
IBM is a trusted partner to more than 90 of the world’s largest banks and has also worked with financial institutions to deploy multi-cloud architectures integrating AI-powered fraud detection. By utilizing AI models from different sources, banks detect fraudulent transactions in real time, reducing risks and enhancing consumer trust. The potential of deployment is endless.
Responsibility and Data Trust
Data is the new currency and IBM emphasizes ethical data practices that see to it transparency, security, and compliance. AI-driven decisions need to be explainable and free from bias. As an example, IBM works with healthcare providers to ensure that AI models used in diagnostics are trained on diverse datasets, reducing the likelihood of biased outcomes and improving patient care.
IBM's blockchain technology also plays a key role in data trust. By enabling secure and transparent transactions, IBM Blockchain makes sure data integrity across industries such as supply chain management and financial services.
Vodafone as an example, works with IBM to develop quantum-safe encryption techniques to protect critical data from cyber threats posed by quantum computing. Together, they make sure that security frameworks remain robust and adaptable as technology advances.
We are all consumers of technology and beyond business; as I mentioned during my last write-up, I have been a Vodafone customer for over two decades. Having a deeper understanding of how I can protect myself when using my devices for everyday tasks is essential.
AI, an Empowering Assistant
What if we can see AI as an assistant to human tasks instead of a threat to jobs?. As technology advances, we, as humans, need to embrace what these new possibilities mean. One of the main reasons for fear is the not knowing. By continuing to share the benefits of AI and how it can aid us, we will be able to make sure step by step, we embrace these new chapters of life.
By increasing human capabilities, IBM's watsonx empowers professionals across various sectors such as the legal industry and customer service, to make informed decisions, streamline operations, and drive innovation. For example, to get a better understanding, you can search for IBM's AI assistant called OLGA, which helps judges and clerks sift through thousands of documents faster.
IBM Consulting
IBM Consulting's Rahul Kumar highlighted how AI is revolutionizing businesses by driving efficiency and innovation. IBM Consulting integrates AI with its technology and strategy solutions to enable enterprises to accelerate digital transformation. It helps organizations deploy AI-powered automation to streamline operations, reduce manual workloads, and enhance decision-making.
Kumar’s insights reinforced the idea that AI is a catalyst for intelligent business transformation. I will follow up on this area this year.
AI's Open Future
IBM develops a collaborative environment where developers can contribute to and benefit from technological advancements. IBM contributes to open-source AI frameworks such as PyTorch and KubeRay to name a few, giving the opportunity to startups and enterprises alike to build upon existing AI models.
One application example of open-source AI is in the healthcare sector, where IBM supports initiatives to develop AI models that assist in diagnosing diseases such as cancer. Open-source collaboration allows medical researchers to improve these models, leading to more accurate and efficient diagnoses.
And as mentioned earlier, IBM already works with major telecom providers to implement AI-driven network optimization and AI solutions to automate customer service.
A Distinctive Edge
While tech giants Microsoft and Google focus heavily on proprietary AI models, which, of course, they are very good at, IBM’s emphasis on open-source AI fosters greater collaboration and innovation. As another example, Amazon Web Services (AWS), dominates cloud services, but IBM’s hybrid multi-cloud approach offers greater flexibility for enterprises seeking to integrate AI across different environments.
In essence, The conversations I had with different leaders at IBM were insightful and showed me how passionate they were about the work they do. IBM is one of the leaders shaping the future of technology with actions and not just words.
As I often say, competition is good! Each tech giant pushes each other to be the best they can be. Sometimes, they collaborate; other times, they fight to be number one, but all in the name of good sportsmanship. Remember, together, we are stronger.
p.s. IBM has started the year strong, and a few events are coming up worth following, whether in person or via social channels when available:
IBM at Distributech, Dallas, Texas, March 24–27th
IBM's Think 2025 kicks off in Boston, Massachusetts, May 5-8
IBM's TechXchange 2025, Orlando, FL, October 6-9
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