The annual IBM Think conference, held in May in Boston, showcased updates to the watsonx platform aimed at making AI more accessible, cost-effective, and flexible for businesses. Key announcements included the launch of Granite models in open source, new watsonx assistants, and AI-powered automation tools like IBM Concert. These updates will help Australian IT professionals tackle productivity issues and skills shortages in the economy, according to IBM Australia’s general manager, Nick Flood.
The Granite models, available under Apache 2.0 licenses, range in parameters and are suitable for tasks like modernizing applications and generating code. IBM also announced new watsonx assistants, like watsonx assistant for Z and watsonx code wizard for service z, to help users interact with systems and understand applications better.
IBM unveiled IBM Concert, an AI-powered generative tool set to be available in June 2024, which will analyze application portfolios and suggest solutions to problems. The company also announced partnerships with third-party companies like AWS and Microsoft to bring new models to watsonx and offer consulting services for AI implementation and scaling.
In Australia, Flood emphasized the importance of Generative AI and quantum computing in improving productivity. He highlighted how generative AI is helping overcome skills shortages in the Australian environment, with the launch of watsonx Assistant for Z and watsonx Code Assistant for Z at the THINK conference.
Despite the challenges of AI adoption, particularly in terms of cyber risks and hyperscale cloud platforms, Flood remains optimistic about the potential of these technologies in Australia. He emphasized the need for a consistent understanding of generative AI across organizations and the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and implementation.
IBM is actively supporting Australia’s quantum computing ambitions through partnerships with research institutions like the University of Sydney, aiming to address key milestones in the path to quantum utility. Flood underlined IBM’s commitment to the national interest, with a longstanding presence in the country and a dedication to supporting technological advancements.
Overall, IBM’s announcements at the Think conference promise to bring significant advancements in AI accessibility and innovation, with potential benefits for IT professionals and businesses in Australia and beyond.
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https://www.techrepublic.com/article/ibm-think-australia-tech/
