International Business Machines Corporation - IBM STOCK NEWS

IBM Security released the 2021 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, analyzing cyberattack trends during 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings include a 100% increase in attacks on healthcare, manufacturing, and energy sectors, due to their critical roles and increased vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. Ransomware attacks surged, particularly by the group Sodinokibi, which generated $123 million in ransom payments. Additionally, Linux-based malware grew by 40%, highlighting a shift in attack strategies, particularly against cloud environments.

IBM has announced the availability of Red Hat software on IBM Power Systems, enhancing its commitment to cloud-native applications and hybrid cloud environments. Key updates include expanded Red Hat capabilities, a new Power Private Cloud Rack solution with a 49% lower cost per request compared to x86 platforms, and improved dynamic capacity for scaling. This strategic move aims to modernize IT infrastructures, as exemplified by Shree Cement's adoption of IBM POWER9 for agility and operational efficiency. The company continues to innovate with upcoming releases targeting hybrid cloud optimization.

Majid Al Futtaim has partnered with IBM to join the IBM Food Trust, enhancing food traceability in Carrefour stores using blockchain technology. This initiative aims to provide customers with insights into food provenance, starting with fresh chicken and microgreens. Customers can access data via QR codes, ensuring transparency in the supply chain. Research indicates that 73% of consumers value product traceability, with 71% willing to pay more for brands that offer it. This collaboration marks a significant step in Carrefour's digital transformation in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

IBM and Delta Air Lines have entered a multi-year partnership to migrate Delta's operations to the public cloud, enhancing agility and innovation. This collaboration aims to modernize Delta's applications using a hybrid cloud architecture based on Red Hat OpenShift. IBM's expert team will work on improving software engineering productivity and transforming Delta's technology platform. The partnership builds on past collaborations, including efforts to explore quantum computing, aiming for enhanced customer experience and operational efficiency.

IBM has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, emphasizing its long-standing leadership in climate action. Key initiatives include reducing emissions by 65% by 2025 from 2010 levels and sourcing 75% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, rising to 90% by 2030. Additionally, the company plans to use carbon capture technologies by 2030 to offset residual emissions. This pledge underscores IBM's dedication to sustainability and its historical advocacy for environmental responsibility dating back to 1971.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced that bp has joined the IBM Quantum Network to enhance the application of quantum computing in the energy sector. This partnership provides bp access to IBM's advanced quantum computing resources, including a 65-qubit quantum computer. The collaboration aims to tackle engineering challenges and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with bp's goal to achieve net zero by 2050. bp plans to increase its renewable energy capacity significantly, invest heavily in low carbon initiatives, and reduce fossil fuel production by 40%.

IBM has announced that Instacart, a leading online grocery platform, has acquired over 250 patents from IBM and entered a mutual patent cross-licensing agreement. This partnership aims to strengthen Instacart's intellectual property rights and foster innovation in food delivery solutions. Financial terms remain undisclosed. IBM's ongoing commitment to innovation is highlighted, with the company recently securing over 9,130 patents in 2020 alone. This strategic collaboration is anticipated to enhance Instacart's service offerings and operational capabilities.

IBM has launched new entry-level flash storage systems and hybrid cloud updates, aimed at making enterprise-class storage more accessible. Recognizing the projected surge in global data creation, which is expected to reach 143 zettabytes by 2024, the company highlights its enhancements to the FlashSystem line. The new FlashSystem 5200 offers significant performance improvements, including 66% greater I/Os and 40% more data throughput, all at an average price 20% lower than its predecessor. IBM is also advancing its hybrid cloud capabilities and introducing additional storage options to cater to varying business needs.

IBM and Palantir Technologies announced a partnership on Feb. 8, 2021, to launch Palantir for IBM Cloud Pak for Data, aimed at simplifying AI application development. This new product, available by March 2021, leverages IBM's hybrid cloud data platform and Palantir's operations platform to help businesses analyze and act on scattered data without extensive technical skills. The partnership addresses AI adoption challenges, particularly data silos and lack of expertise, and is designed to support industries like retail, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications in making data-driven decisions and automating outcomes.