Cloud, Platform for Modern Innovation- IBM

The dynamics around cloud computing is changing hence businesses need to apply cognitive and/or Artificial Intelligent (AI) capabilities to data in order to enhance their digital intelligence exponentially.

This view was shared by Anthony Butler, Chief technical Officer at IBM Middle East and Africa (MEA) during 'IBM Cloud Innovation Forum' 2017 held in Lagos on Tuesday, stating that cloud marketing has shifted from offering mere efficient modern application to functioning as re-imagined processes for optimal operations.

Butler during a presentation on 'IBM: IBM Cloud: The Journey Ahead', said that businesses in the region need to stay more agile in order to succeed in the new business world.

He said, instead of falling victims of technological disruptions, they should strive to take the opportunities offered in the cloud hence innovators are using cloud and cognitive technologies to transform external experiences.

"Cloud is actually the platform for modern innovations offering seamless opportunities for applications, analytics, middleware and infrastructure that will drive businesses in future. So, for businesses to stay ahead and succeed in the new world, they need to be more agile.

"Innovators are using cloud and cognitive technologies to take advantages of the opportunities in the market and transform external experiences. To win, you need to create smarter apps and services; accelerate data intelligence innovation, optimize your infrastructure with cloud options; you must develop your architecture disruption (rethink business, technology and data)", he said.

The IBM CIO for MEA explained that technology has gone from being a cost to a source of competitive advantage; citing IBM as example, he said the Company has lasted for so long because it constantly reboot its processes and solutions.

"What is IBM doing today? Connecting despite data types within and outside your walls, create opportunities for unexpected insights", he said.

On AI, he said, the architecture is not meant to retire humans from work, rather enhancing and amplifying people's creativity and capabilities for improved productivity.

Zeeshan Mehdi, IBM data and data sales leader also described IBM has having a niche and expertise in analytic approach, understanding outcomes, needs and technology for the future.

"Data can help you understand what you don’t know about your company today. IBM has the competencies to help you understand that," he said.

Yusuf Assenjee, cloud service leader- Central West Africa, IBM, said the Firm is leading the Shift to strategic IT through IBM Cloud.

He said, that IBM is driving innovation with advanced set of products based on new architecture that drives applications (Watson health, Watson for IoT); AI (Watson conversation, Watson Discovery, Watson Virtual Agent); Data (Watson Data and Watson IoT) and cloud (Object storage, Compute for HPC).

"We're not just about a platform or a certain technology, we're about proven and innovative ways of working to help your company succeed and solve real user-needs. We can match your business requirements to the regulatory and security point of view", Assenjee boasted.

Earlier, Dipo faulkner, country general manager, IBM (Nigeria), said that for businesses in Nigeria and Africa in general, to succeed in the future climate which revolves around cloud computing, they require an understanding on how to develop cloud strategy to help know how and where to adopt the strategy for maximum impact and in a cost efficient manner.