International Business Machines Corporation - IBM STOCK NEWS

IBM and the University of Tokyo have launched the Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium (QIIC) to enhance Japan's quantum computing capabilities. This consortium, building on a previous partnership from December 2019, aims to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and government. Key members include prestigious universities and major corporations. The QIIC will provide access to IBM's quantum systems, including a dedicated IBM Q System One planned for Japan in 2021, promoting research and development in quantum technology.

IBM's 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report reveals an average breach costs companies $3.86 million, with 80% of breaches exposing customer personally identifiable information (PII). Compromised employee accounts are the most costly breaches, with expenses increasing to $4.77 million when credential theft is involved. Organizations using automated security technologies saw costs cut to $2.45 million. State-sponsored attacks were the most damaging, averaging $4.43 million. The study, based on data from over 500 organizations, highlights the growing financial risks posed by remote work.

IBM Services and CBRE are expanding their partnership to enhance technology support for data center clients. The new offering, Smart Maintenance, utilizes IBM's AI and analytics for vendor-agnostic hardware maintenance. This collaboration allows CBRE technicians to leverage IBM's AI and augmented reality technologies for efficient IT support across various manufacturers. The initiative aims to reduce client costs by minimizing maintenance complexities while improving productivity through automated support processes. The agreement was signed in Q1 2020.

IBM has expanded its Cloud for Financial Services ecosystem, welcoming several global banks including BNP Paribas as anchor clients. This collaboration aims to enhance cloud security and compliance for the financial sector, leveraging the IBM Cloud Policy Framework. The initiative is part of a strategic partnership with Bank of America and Promontory, which focuses on creating a secure cloud environment for sensitive data

Additionally, IBM plans to launch the IBM Research Cloud Innovation Lab to foster innovation in cloud technologies for financial services.

On July 17, 2020, EY and IBM announced an expanded global alliance aimed at accelerating digital transformation for organizations. This partnership will leverage IBM's hybrid cloud capabilities, including Red Hat OpenShift, and technologies such as AI and blockchain. EY and IBM aim to enhance client outcomes through joint consulting and integration services, targeting areas like M&A, finance, HR, and compliance. The collaboration emphasizes IBM's leadership in cloud technology and EY's expertise in complex client transformations, facilitating innovation and operational efficiency for clients.

IBM has announced a 39.7% reduction in operational CO₂ emissions since 2005, surpassing its target of 40% by 2025, per its 30th annual IBM and the Environment Report. In 2019, 47% of its electricity was sourced from renewables, aiming for 55% by 2025. Notably, IBM implemented 1,660 energy conservation projects yielding savings of 136,000 MWh. The report emphasizes transparency in environmental reporting, reinforcing IBM's role in corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability.

IBM announced its agreement to acquire Brazilian software provider WDG Automation, enhancing its AI-infused automation capabilities across business processes and IT operations. The acquisition is aimed at improving operational efficiency by integrating WDG's robotic process automation (RPA) into IBM's Cloud Pak for Automation. Financial terms remain undisclosed, but this move is expected to bolster IBM's position in the automation market, allowing clients to optimize operations and innovate more effectively. The deal is anticipated to close in Q3 2020.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) has been recognized as a leader in the 2020 IaaS Value Matrix by Nucleus Research. This report highlights IBM public cloud's usability, functionality, and integration capabilities, particularly its strong security features that appeal to businesses in regulated industries. With over 60 cloud data centers worldwide, IBM offers the industry's first commercially available cloud cryptographic technology, 'Keep Your Own Key,' allowing businesses to control encryption keys. This endorsement supports IBM's strategy of leveraging open-source and secure technologies in cloud computing.