International Business Machines Corporation - IBM STOCK NEWS

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.

IBM announced new capabilities aimed at accelerating clients' application modernization across hybrid cloud environments. This includes the launch of IBM Wazi as-a-Service, providing z/OS functionalities in the cloud, which is expected to be generally available in the second half of 2022. The service offers on-demand access to z/OS for development and testing, significantly reducing setup time to under 6 minutes. Additionally, IBM introduced the IBM Z and Cloud Modernization Stack, available from March 15, to streamline application modernization and enhance IT automation.

IBM and SAP have announced a partnership to help clients transition to hybrid cloud solutions. This collaboration will enhance capabilities for migrating critical workloads from SAP solutions to IBM Cloud, providing a secure and reliable environment. IBM is designated as a premium supplier for RISE with SAP, allowing clients to benefit from integrated infrastructure and application management services. A study indicates that migrating to SAP S/4HANA on IBM Cloud can yield significant benefits, including revenue increases for up to 90% of organizations and cost reductions for over 80%.

IBM has collaborated with TD Securities to introduce an AI-powered virtual assistant on the TD Precious Metals digital store. This new tool aims to enhance customer experience by providing quick, 24/7 responses to frequently asked questions about purchasing precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. The assistant, developed using IBM Watson Assistant, allows users to inquire about pricing, delivery options, and shipping details. This initiative aligns with the growing trend towards AI automation in customer service, with 43% of businesses accelerating AI implementation in the last year.

IBM announced the launch of FlashSystem Cyber Vault, a solution aimed at enhancing recovery from ransomware and cyberattacks. This follows the findings from the IBM Cyber Resilient Organization study, which revealed that 46% of organizations experienced ransomware attacks in the past two years. The new system is designed to streamline recovery processes by actively monitoring data for threats and ensuring faster restoration of clean data. Additionally, IBM introduced new FlashSystem storage models that improve application performance in hybrid cloud environments.

The Quebec-IBM Discovery Accelerator, launched on Feb. 3, 2022, aims to position Quebec as a leader in technology through quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing. IBM will deploy its first quantum system in Canada at its Bromont facility, focusing on advancements in energy, life sciences, and sustainability. This initiative aligns with Quebec's Innovation Zones and aims to foster collaboration in research and skill development. The project represents a significant step in enhancing Quebec's high-tech economy and builds on existing semiconductor innovations.

Red Hat has integrated OpenShift Data Foundation into the OpenShift Platform Plus, enhancing its hybrid cloud platform capabilities. This move supports cloud-native application requirements by offering data services such as software-defined storage. The platform now provides a comprehensive multicloud Kubernetes environment with features like persistent storage and data management, crucial for DevSecOps. The OpenShift Data Foundation 4.9 introduces flexible object gateway buckets and persistent volume encryption. Existing subscribers can access these features at no additional cost.

IBM has acquired Sentaca, a top telco consulting services provider, to enhance its hybrid cloud consulting business. This acquisition aims to assist communications service providers (CSPs) and media firms in modernizing their operations across multiple cloud platforms. Sentaca brings expertise in 5G, IoT, and streaming services, bolstering IBM's position as a systems integrator in the emerging network market. The deal closed on January 31, 2022, but financial terms were not disclosed. This move reflects IBM's strategy to strengthen its cloud and AI capabilities through acquisitions.

IBM's board declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.64 per common share, payable on March 10, 2022, to stockholders of record by February 11, 2022. This marks the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders, having consistently paid dividends since 1916. The announcement underscores IBM's ongoing strategy to provide income for investors amidst evolving market conditions.