International Business Machines Corporation - IBM STOCK NEWS

Kyndryl, IBM's Managed Infrastructure Services business, announced the appointment of David Wyshner as the new Chief Financial Officer.

With significant experience in spin-offs and acquisitions, Wyshner aims to enhance Kyndryl's financial strategy. Previously, he led the global finance organization at XPO Logistics and played a key role at Wyndham Worldwide during its separation into public companies.

Kyndryl, expected to separate by the end of 2021, focuses on managing technology infrastructure for major businesses.

IBM and SAP announced a partnership to onboard SAP finance and data management solutions to IBM Cloud for Financial Services on July 28, 2021. This collaboration aims to enhance cloud adoption in the financial sector by ensuring compliance, security, and innovation. The IBM Cloud for Financial Services provides a secure environment for financial institutions to engage with partners while addressing regulatory standards. The integration is expected to drive operational efficiencies and unlock revenue opportunities amidst stringent industry demands.

The 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report by IBM reveals that data breaches now average $4.24 million per incident, the highest in 17 years, reflecting a 10% increase since last year. The report highlights the impact of remote work, which raises breach costs by over $1 million. Healthcare breaches are the most expensive, averaging $9.23 million. However, businesses adopting AI, hybrid cloud, and zero trust approaches reported reduced costs, saving up to $1.49 million. Organizations that modernized their security measures were better positioned to handle breaches efficiently.

The IBM board has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.64 per share, scheduled for payment on September 10, 2021, to stockholders on record as of August 10, 2021. With this dividend, IBM reinforces its commitment to shareholders, marking over 100 years of consecutive quarterly dividends since 1916.

IBM has unveiled IBM z/OS V2.5, the latest operating system tailored for hybrid cloud and AI, expected to enhance application modernization projects. A recent study highlighted that 71% of executives view mainframe applications as central to their strategy, with a projected doubling of their use in hybrid cloud environments in three years. The new OS introduces advanced AI capabilities, enhanced security features, and improved developer experience. General availability is slated for September 30, 2021, with claims of installation speed improvements over previous versions.

On July 26, 2021, IBM and the University of Tokyo unveiled Japan's most powerful quantum computer, operational for research and business applications. The IBM Quantum System One offers advanced qubits and precision control, enhancing quantum algorithm capabilities. This initiative, part of an ongoing collaboration, is designed to boost Japan's quantum research ecosystem through the Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium, involving major companies and academic institutions. IBM aims to foster global quantum ecosystem growth while expanding its research partnerships.

IBM and Amadeus have integrated the IBM Digital Health Pass into Amadeus' Traveler ID for Safe Travel to streamline the validation of COVID-19 health documentation for air travelers. This collaboration aims to facilitate smoother check-ins and reduce delays at checkpoints, enhancing the customer experience as international travel resumes. Travelers can now upload or scan their health credentials, which are verified using secure encryption and blockchain technologies. This integration is currently live with multiple airlines and supports varying country requirements, promoting a safer travel environment.

IBM has entered a ten-year agreement with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to develop an "Airport in a Box" platform aimed at enhancing passenger travel experiences at Kempegowda International Airport. This initiative will leverage IBM's hybrid cloud solutions and Kyndryl's infrastructure capabilities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and boost employee productivity. The platform will also utilize AI-driven insights for better inventory management. BIAL, recognized for its commitment to sustainability, aims to transform its operations with this innovative technology.

On July 20, 2021, IBM introduced enhanced data protection features in its FlashSystem all-flash storage arrays to combat rising ransomware threats. Citing a 62% increase in ransomware attacks in 2020, the company launched Safeguarded Copy, which allows users to create immutable, time-stamped snapshots of data that can be restored post-attack. The solution aims to improve business resiliency against cyber threats. Additionally, IBM announced a new Storage as a Service offering aimed at integrating hybrid cloud storage, starting at $27 per TB/month, which adds flexibility without upfront costs.