IBM Internet Of Things

IBM’s Watson will help users shuffle through reams of data generated by Internet-connected objects.

14:51 26 May 2017

Watson, IBM’s cognitive computing service, will help the firm’s clients shuffle through reams of data expected to be generated by connected objects coming online. Watson, which already assists doctors in diagnosing patients and helps financial service professionals recommend products to clients, will be made available as part of the service offered to customers who come in through IBM’s IoT foundation cloud product.

 

In March, IBM has announced that it was investing $3 billion to create its Internet of Things (IoT) division and hired Harriet Green, formerly of British travel firm Thomas Cook, as the head of its IoT business unit. She sees IBM pursuing a vertical, industry-specific approach to helping clients adapt to the IoT. For this reason, the firm has hired people to work with clients in retail, automotive, insurance, and those helping on building smart cities.

 

This runs counter to many of the broad approaches being taken by startups that are trying horizontal approaches aimed at connecting sensors in any industry. Meanwhile, other companies, such as Cisco and GE, are trying to come at the market with products defined for a specific industry.