Telefónica Tech and IBM Sign New Collaboration Agreement to Advance AI, Analytics, and Data Management Solutions
Telefónica Tech and IBM have announced a new collaboration agreement to enhance the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), analytics, and data governance solutions for enterprises. The initiative aims to address the evolving needs of businesses by deploying SHARK.X, an open hybrid and multicloud platform specialized in analytics, data management, and AI.
The agreement, initially focused on Spain, aims to help enterprises navigate the complexities of managing new technologies in a dynamic environment. According to the IBM Global AI Adoption Index study, nearly half of the Spanish companies already working with AI have increased their investments in the technology over the past two years. This highlights the necessity for tools and solutions that foster digital transformation where AI is crucial.
Under this collaboration, both companies will work on developing and deploying SHARK.X, a platform that enables robust business initiatives by integrating various IBM hardware and software components, including access to IBM Cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure for running enterprise applications. The SHARK.X platform will feature technologies like IBM Cloud Pak for Data, the watsonx AI and Data platform, and Cognos and Planning Analytics.
Elena Gil Lizasoain, director of the AI and Data unit at Telefónica Tech, emphasized the benefits of AI and data management in the business world, stating this partnership will propel businesses toward efficiency and sustainability. Adolfo Hernández Pulido, Technology Managing Director for Telefónica at IBM, highlighted the long history of collaboration between the two companies and their shared commitment to driving digital transformation in the Spanish business community.
A use case office will be launched to define and develop proofs of concept and MVPs. IBM Client Engineering and Telefónica Tech professionals will coordinate these efforts, thus delivering generative AI solutions such as code generation, automation of processes, cognitive assistants, and customer service analytics.
Telefónica Tech and IBM have a robust history of collaboration that includes solutions like TROS, a multicloud service based on Red Hat OpenShift, and integrated AI for customer service and supply chain management.
SHARK.X will be deployed at Telefónica Tech’s La Cabina facility, serving as a technological inspiration center. This platform will offer comprehensive solutions for enterprise data management, from data collection to governance, enhancing capabilities in both traditional and generative AI initiatives.
About Telefónica Tech: Telefónica Tech leads in digital transformation, offering services in cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, big data, and blockchain.
About IBM: IBM provides global expertise in hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting, helping clients streamline processes, cut costs, and gain competitive edges in various industries.
