IBM Takes Internet of Things Seriously with $200 Million Global Headquarters for Watson
IBM this week announced an ecosystem initiative to drive collaborative innovation with clients and partners as it opens the doors of a new $200 million global headquarters for its Watson Internet of Things business in Germany.
Avnet, BNP Paribas, Capgemini and Tech Mahindra will collocate development teams at the IBM center, which will also act as an innovation space for the European IoT standards organization EEBus.
“We have reached a tipping point with IoT innovation: we now have over 6,000 clients and partners around the world many of who are now wanting to join us in our new global Watson IoT center to co-innovate,” said Harriet Green, General Manager, IBM Watson IoT, Cognitive Engagement and Education. “Together we are building a new global IoT innovation ecosystem that will explore how cognitive and IoT technologies will transform industries and our daily lives.”
Avnet will open a new joint IoT Lab within IBM’s Watson IoT HQ to develop, build, demonstrate and sell IoT solutions powered by IBM Watson.
“There is no limit to how IOT can be used to improve the world,” said Eric Williams, global vice president of IOT, Avnet. “Avnet’s latest collaboration with IBM will accelerate our ability to provide customers with the foundation they need to rapidly develop marketable IOT solutions.”
Global IT consulting and technology services provider Capgemini will collocate a team of cognitive IoT experts at IBM’s Watson IoT center.
“Our people and clients will have full access to IBM’s technologies, experts and resources, thereby significantly shortening the time to market,” said Fernando Alvarez, Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.
Indian multinational provider of enterprise and communications IT and networking technology Tech Mahindra will locate a team of developers and engineers within the Watson IoT HQ to help deliver on Tech Mahindra’s vision of generating substantial new revenue based on IBM’s Watson IoT platform.
“By collocating in IBM’s Watson IoT Center, we will not only co-create new solutions and services, but will ensure our proximity to key European clients especially around Industry 4.0 and Manufacturing,” said Vikram Nair, President Tech Mahindra EMEA.
