IBM and Salesforce form a strategic partnership focused on AI

IBM and Salesforce form a strategic partnership focused on AI

A new strategic partnership between IBM and Salesforce aims to advance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data integration. This collaboration will combine IBM’s watsonx AI and data platform with Salesforce’s Einstein 1 platform to provide customers with more options for implementing data and AI solutions.

The partnership will focus on bidirectional data integration, large language model (LLM) adaptability, and the responsible development of AI technologies. Salesforce will make use of its Bring Your Own Large Language Model strategy to allow customers to integrate their LLMs with IBM’s watsonx.ai platform and Salesforce’s Einstein 1 Studio. This will give customers access to IBM’s Granite series AI models, which meet high data governance and compliance standards.

IBM’s watsonx platform allows companies to create, scale, and manage custom AI models, including customized LLMs with their own data. The integration of Granite models with the Einstein 1 platform will enable joint customers to use these models for various applications, both in the cloud and locally.

The Einstein 1 platform integrates CRM applications, external data sources via Data Cloud, and AI models within a unified metadata framework, enabling next-generation AI solutions such as Einstein Copilot, Salesforce’s conversational AI assistant for CRM.

IBM Consulting will also provide industry-specific AI cues and actions, creating rapid templates and specialized co-pilot actions for sectors such as automotive, energy, financial services, and public. These templates will be accessible through Einstein 1 Studio for advanced CRM applications.

The partnership also includes IBM’s participation in the Salesforce Zero Copy Partner Network, allowing for secure, two-way copy-free data integration between IBM watsonx and Salesforce Data Cloud. This approach ensures data remains in its original location while being actionable across the Salesforce platform, enhancing security and simplifying data management.

Salesforce Executive Vice President Rahul Auradkar expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to maximize data utilization and strengthen customer engagement through trustworthy AI.

The partnership also involves Salesforce joining the AI Alliance, a global consortium promoting the safe and responsible development of AI technologies.

In conclusion, the partnership between IBM and Salesforce aims to advance the use of AI and data integration by providing customers with greater options and flexibility in implementing data-driven decision-making solutions. Through collaboration, both companies are working towards simplifying the complex generative AI landscape and creating industry-specific AI solutions while prioritizing ethical and transparent development practices. The partnership holds promise for enhancing customer engagement, maximizing data utilization, and promoting the responsible growth of AI technologies.

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https://channellife.com.au/story/ibm-salesforce-announce-strategic-ai-partnership