IBM announces a new platform that will help users build AI models

During its annual Think conference, IBM unveiled IBM Watsonx, an innovative platform designed to offer resources for constructing AI models and granting access to pre-existing models capable of generating computer code, text, and various other outputs. 

This development might seem disheartening for IBM’s back-office managers, especially considering the recent announcement that the company plans to temporarily halt recruitment for positions that could potentially be substituted by AI technologies in the foreseeable future.

However, IBM clarifies that the introduction of IBM Watsonx was driven by the persistent difficulties faced by numerous businesses when implementing AI in their operations. According to an IBM survey, trust and transparency hurdles were identified by 30% of business leaders as impediments to adopting AI, while 42% expressed concerns regarding privacy, particularly in relation to generative AI.

During a roundtable discussion, Rob Thomas, IBM’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed that while AI might not directly replace managers, the managers who leverage AI tools and technologies will likely surpass those who do not. He emphasised that the integration of AI fundamentally transforms the way people work.

IBM claims that Watsonx addresses this issue by providing customers with access to a comprehensive set of tools, infrastructure, and consulting resources. This empowers them to develop their own AI models, customise existing models to better suit their needs, and utilise their own data for these purposes. 

With the help of Watsonx.ai, users can also validate and deploy models, as well as monitor them after deployment. Essentially, this platform aims to streamline and consolidate various workflows for users.