Yearly Archives: 2025

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IBM and Basque Government announce plan to install Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center in Spain

– IBM Quantum System Two to be powered by a utility-scale 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron processor.
– Installation of IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
– Members of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center intend to use IBM’s most performant architecture to advance discovery and solutions in physics, information science, and materials science.

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Basque Government, and IBM today announced plans to install Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two at the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center on Ikerbasque Foundation’s main campus in San Sebastian, Spain (Gipuzkoa, Spain). The deployment builds on the organizations’ partnership, which began in 2023 as part of the BasQ initiative to further establish the Basque Country as a leading technology hub. Since the initial announcement, the parties have agreed to update the original plan to install an IBM Quantum System One, to now deploy IBM’s most advanced modular quantum computer, IBM Quantum System Two, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

BasQ’s IBM Quantum System Two, to be managed by IBM, will be powered by an IBM Quantum Heron, the company’s most performant quantum processor to date, engineered to expand to multiple processors in the future. IBM Heron is capable of executing utility-scale algorithms beyond the capabilities of brute-force, classical simulation methods, including leveraging Qiskit software to accurately run certain classes of quantum circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations.

This installation dedicated to Spain’s quantum innovators across academia, research labs, and industries represents IBM’s continued effort to expand Europe’s quantum ecosystem. Members of the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center will have access to these capabilities and resources to help build a quantum workforce, promote economic development, and develop new, useful algorithms to, in turn, help accomplish the Basque Country Government’s IKUR 2030 vision for quantum technologies. These efforts in algorithm development would be directly applied toward accomplishing IKUR 2030 goals, such as research into modeling new materials, research into how quantum computing can be used as part of the initiative’s broader sustainability efforts.

“With this scientific infrastructure, the Basque Country will be positioned as a global reference hub in quantum computing. This technology will help progress in the digital transformation and provide us with a state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure that will strengthen the scientific, technological and innovation ecosystem that must facilitate this transformation. The IBM Quantum System Two will be a key tool for the Basque Network for Science, Technology and Innovation to generate cutting-edge knowledge in the Basque Country, to implement highly specialized higher education programs at our universities, and to be prepared for the impact of quantum computing in the coming years by both the Basque public sector and the industry. The arrival of this computer will be a great opportunity for the Basque Country’s economic and social development and will enable us to cooperate with other regions, countries and actors in the development and impact of this technology,” said the President of the Basque Country Government, Mr. Imanol Pradales.

“The IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center’s dedicated IBM Quantum System Two will give Spain’s quantum community of researchers, developers, and industry experts unparalleled access to our most performant, most advanced quantum technologies—including the tools to develop algorithms that will help drive the entire quantum ecosystem toward achieving a quantum advantage within the next two years,” said Jay Gambetta, Vice President, IBM Quantum.

2025 Call for Code Engages Developers to Build AI Solutions that Address Social and Humanitarian Issues

In its eighth year, Call for Code presents a series of SDG-focused hackathons throughout the year, kicking off with a competition to build AI agents

BOULDER, Colo., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Call for Code Creator David Clark Cause, Founding Partner IBM, Global Impact Partner United Nations Human Rights, and Program Affiliate the Linux Foundation invite developers and problem solvers to participate in the 2025 Call for Code program to create projects and solutions that use AI to help tackle United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since its launch in 2018, Call for Code has rallied developers globally to come together and create innovative solutions to help solve the world’s largest problems with technology. In 2025, the Call for Code Global Challenge will again ask how AI can address humanitarian issues to make a real difference for communities around the world.

“Call for Code is a unique global tech initiative, that inspires and empowers developers and problem-solvers from around the world to use their talent to innovate for social good,” said David Clark, Founder and CEO of Call for Code. “I am immensely proud that Call for Code, alongside its founding partner IBM, and with UN Human Rights, has helped ensure that technology serves as a catalyst for sustainability, climate and humanitarian action.”

This year, participants will have the opportunity to take part in five qualifying hackathon events as part of the year-long Call for Code Global Challenge in collaboration with IBM’s TechXchange Client Advocacy team. For each event, teams will build an original proof-of-concept solution based on a different SDG with technologies like watsonx, IBM’s portfolio of AI products, and IBM Cloud services. Each hackathon will include a different theme linked to one of the 17 SDGs.

The first qualifying hackathon will be held March 20 through March 31, 2025. In honor of UN World Water Day on March 22, it calls on participants to build a proof-of-concept for an AI virtual agent using watsonx.ai that can be put to work to address an issue that falls under the SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation. In addition, Call for Code will host a hackathon to tackle SDG 13: Climate Action as part of the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, the world’s largest human rights-based climate forum, hosted by UN Human Rights, the University of Oxford, and co-hosted by leading universities worldwide.

“From the very beginning, UN Human Rights has been honored to support Call for Code, recognizing that technology—when grounded in human rights—can be a powerful force for good,” said Ansar Mahfoudh, head of the Innovation and Analytics Hub at UN Human Rights. “Since helping launch this groundbreaking initiative almost a decade ago, we have supported those projects that champion innovation that serves humanity. We remain committed to ensuring Call for Code grows from strength to strength, by drawing on a community of socially-minded coders who place humans at the centre of tech and innovation solutions.”

“Call for Code is a unique opportunity to get hands-on with AI, build new skills, network with a community of like-minded problem solvers, and create solutions,” said Dinesh Nirmal, IBM Senior Vice President, IBM Software. “This year, there’s no-cost access to industry leading, enterprise-grade IBM software like watsonx.ai for participants. I am excited to see what teams build to make a positive difference.”

Teams, made up of one to five developers, can compete for prizes awarded in each hackathon. The top Call for Code solution from each qualifying hackathon will win $5,000 USD and one conference pass per team member to the IBM TechXchange Conference 2025 in Orlando. This is IBM’s biggest technical learning conference of the year (official rules apply, tickets are non-transferable, and travel and lodging are not included). The qualifying teams will also have the chance to advance to compete for the 2025 Call for Code Global Challenge Grand Prizes, including a top cash prize of $50,000 USD. Top teams will also have the opportunity for open-source project support from the Linux Foundation. Grand prize winners will be announced in December.

 

IBM Study: Gen AI Will Elevate Financial Performance of Banks in 2025

ARMONK, N.Y., Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today released its annual expectations for technology and transformation in the global financial services industry in the year ahead in the IBM Institute for Business Value 2025 Outlook for Banking and Financial Markets.

Key Insights

  • Gen AI adoption is set to soar. Only 8% of banks were developing generative AI systematically in 2024, and 78% had a tactical approach. As banks move from pilots to execution, more are redefining their strategic approach to service expansion, including agentic AI.
  • Steady banking convergence is giving way to contrasting financial performance. Re-imagining the business model/processes and, importantly, execution will separate the winners from the rest.
  • 60% of banking CEOs surveyed acknowledge they must accept some level of risk to harness automation advantages and enhance competitiveness.1
  • While over 16% of clients worldwide are comfortable with a branchless, fully digital bank as their primary banking relationship, competition is shifting from mass market digital offers to higher-value services, including embedded finance and advisory services to affluent investors and small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

“We are seeing a significant shift in how generative AI is being deployed across the banking industry as institutions shift from broad experimentation to a strategic enterprise approach that prioritizes targeted applications of this powerful technology,” said Shanker Ramamurthy, IBM Consulting’s Global Managing Director Banking & Financial Markets. “As banks and other financial institutions around the world gear up for a pivotal year of investing in transformation, technology, and talent, we anticipate their efforts coalescing around initiatives using generative AI to level up customer experience, boost operational efficiency, reduce risks and modernize IT infrastructure.”

The report shares insights from analysis of industry C-suite leader sentiment, bank customer behavior and economic data from eight major markets—the United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, China, India, and Japan–and what financial institutions and their ecosystem partners can glean from the trends.

For additional perspective and to download the full report, visit https://ibm.co/2025-banking-financial-markets-outlook.

IBM is a leading provider of enterprise AI, hybrid cloud architecture, security and ESG insights to the global financial services sector. Its deep industry expertise, extensive portfolio of services and solutions, and its robust ecosystem of fintech partners, empower collaboration, innovation, and creation with clients. As a trusted partner to banks, insurers, capital markets and payments providers, IBM guides financial institutions on all stages of their digital transformation journeys through IBM Consulting and delivers the proven infrastructure, software, and services they need through IBM Technology. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/industries/banking-financial-markets.

The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM’s thought leadership think tank, combines global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit www.ibm.com/ibv.

IBM to Acquire Applications Software Technology LLC, Bolstering Oracle Expertise to Help Clients Transform Their Operations

ARMONK, N.Y., Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced its intent to acquire Applications Software Technology LLC1, a global Oracle consultancy. Applications Software Technology brings deep expertise driving business transformations with Oracle Cloud Applications, including for clients in the public sector such as local government and K-12 education.

Public sector cloud transformations frequently face issues that include difficulty transitioning legacy systems, scarce skills or high security and compliance requirements. This acquisition will further enhance IBM’s Oracle solutions to help clients across North America, the UK and Ireland address those complexities and drive lasting results in their digital transformations with Oracle Cloud Applications. It will build on IBM’s 2024 acquisition of Accelalpha, expanding IBM’s ability to help clients deploy, manage and drive value from their Oracle cloud solutions.

“Public sector clients’ cloud transformations often require a consulting partner with industry, domain and technology expertise,” said Kelly Chambliss, Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting, Americas. “The acquisition of Applications Software Technology will boost IBM’s public sector and Oracle Cloud Application skills to help clients confidently navigate their business transformations.”

Applications Software Technology’s large team of consultants brings expertise across the Oracle Cloud Applications Suite, particularly around Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) including Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), Oracle Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM), and Oracle Fusion Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ), as well as Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), JD Edwards, and NetSuite. Applications Software Technology also brings expertise and partnerships with Salesforce and MuleSoft, specializing in public sector solutions and more.

This acquisition supports IBM’s open ecosystem approach which allows us to meet clients where they are, bringing together whatever technology and expertise are needed across our expanding partner ecosystem to solve the client challenge.

Applications Software Technology has been an Oracle partner since 1996 and a leading provider of Oracle solutions covering areas like business process redesign and Oracle Cloud deployment. In addition to its strong public sector presence, Applications Software Technology also serves commercial clients in the manufacturing, energy and consumer packaged goods industries.

“We are excited to join IBM and open up new opportunities for our people and expand transformative solutions to deliver business outcomes for our customers,” said Justin Winter, CEO, Applications Software Technology. “Applications Software Technology and IBM have complementary capabilities, client relationships, service offerings and values around our people, innovation and commitment to client success. Together, we will continue to grow in the market for cloud transformation solutions.”

Headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, Applications Software Technology has teams across the US, UK, Canada and India. Notable past acquisitions contributing to its growth include Symatrix Limited, 9EDGE Inc. and Computer Technology Resources Inc. Applications Software Technology is currently a portfolio company of funds managed by Recognize Partners LP. Upon close, Applications Software Technology will join IBM Consulting.

IBM and Oracle’s partnership spans almost 40 years. IBM was named a Leader in the 2023 IDC MarketScape for Oracle Implementation Services Ecosystem Worldwide2.

The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

For more information on Applications Software Technology, visit https://astcorporation.com/

Walmart GoLocal and IBM Collaboration Makes Last-Mile Delivery Easier for Retailers

NEW YORK, NY, Jan 13, 2025 – Walmart GoLocal, Walmart’s white-label delivery service for retailers, and IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced the integration of Walmart GoLocal into IBM Sterling Order Management, combining a leading order management platform with last-mile delivery. IBM retail clients that sign up with Walmart GoLocal can now quickly integrate Walmart GoLocal’s suite of last-mile delivery solutions into their business system.

Last-mile is often considered the most difficult and costly step in the supply chain, and can be further complicated by rising consumer expectations around shortened delivery timeframes. Walmart GoLocal offers a full range of last-mile solutions to any retailer looking to improve their last-mile delivery and better serve their customers.

The new collaboration aims to simplify the operational workflow for IBM clients looking to partner with Walmart GoLocal for their deliveries. When an order is placed and ready to ship, IBM’s order management system allows for the selection of a delivery service provider, now including Walmart GoLocal’s extensive suite of delivery capabilities including same-day, next-day, multi-day, scheduled, batched deliveries and big & bulky. Additionally, the integration is designed to be user-friendly and highly customizable, mitigating the need for extensive development or complex modifications.

“As a last-mile delivery partner built by retail, for retail, Walmart GoLocal is committed to streamlining the last-mile delivery process for our clients,” said Rina Hurst, vice president of Walmart GoLocal. “By integrating Walmart GoLocal into IBM Sterling, we’re taking convenience to the next level. IBM customers can now tap into Walmart GoLocal’s extensive last-mile delivery network and robust suite of delivery capabilities, empowering them to enhance efficiency and grow their business.”

“I’m excited to see IBM’s expertise in order management and interoperability paired with Walmart GoLocal’s experience and scale, driving innovation and success in inventory optimization and last-mile delivery,” said Chris Townsend, global managing director for Walmart at IBM.

Walmart GoLocal and IBM will showcase their collaboration at the National Retail Federation 2025 conference and expo (NRF 25) and will host a joint fireside chat at IBM Booth #4639 with Hurst and Townsend on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:30 am ET.

For more information on Walmart GoLocal, visit www.walmartgolocal.com. For more information on IBM, visit https://www.ibm.com/us-en.

About Walmart GoLocal

Walmart GoLocal offers businesses white-labeled, reliable delivery and fulfillment solutions. Backed by Walmart’s deep retail and logistics expertise, Walmart GoLocal partners with retailers and other businesses to activate delivery and fulfillment solutions to grow and scale their businesses. Launched in August 2021, Walmart GoLocal has enabled millions of deliveries for businesses nationwide with a 98%+ on-time, same-day delivery rate and no hidden fees. For more information on Walmart GoLocal, visit www.walmartgolocal.com.