The News: IBM introduced IBM Concert, a powerful tool that allows you to control your operations using generative artificial intelligence (AI) insights. This innovative solution provides deep insights into applications, streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency. Read the press release here.

Unveiling IBM Concert: Revolutionizing Application Management with AI

Analyst Take: Since Arvind Krishna took the helm as IBM’s Chairman and CEO, the company has strategically pivoted toward hybrid cloud and AI, marking a significant transformation in its business model. This shift was crucial in redefining IBM’s market position and setting a new course for sustainable growth. The strategic spinoff of Kyndryl, IBM’s managed infrastructure services business, further streamlined operations and allowed IBM to focus on its core strengths. Post-spinoff, IBM has been doubling down on becoming a software powerhouse, with an increased emphasis on annual recurring revenue (ARR). The company’s focus now lies heavily on software and consulting, which are key drivers for its long-term growth strategy, while maintaining its cloud and infrastructure business with unique, differentiated technology.

The reorientation toward hybrid cloud and AI has enabled IBM to offer more integrated and comprehensive solutions to its clients. This includes leveraging its strong software portfolio and consulting services to deliver high-value, innovative solutions that address the complex needs of modern enterprises. The company’s robust focus on these areas has positioned it as a leader in helping businesses navigate the digital transformation journey, providing them with the tools and insights needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven marketplace.

What Was Announced?

At Think 2024, IBM unveiled IBM Concert, a new AI-powered automation tool designed to help enterprises streamline application operations. Powered by the watsonx platform, IBM Concert aims to provide users with deep insights into their applications’ operations, enabling them to identify, predict, and resolve issues proactively. This generative AI tool is a testament to IBM’s commitment to enhancing its automation portfolio and showcases the company’s direction under visionary leaders like Rob Thomas, IBM Senior Vice President of Global Markets.

IBM Concert offers a holistic view of connected applications and generates AI-driven analyses, visualizations, and actionable recommendations. The setup process is simple and intuitive, allowing users to connect their existing applications and toolsets to the platform. IBM Concert’s powerful AI engine then delves deep into the application architecture, uncovering intricate connections, dependencies, and opportunities for optimization. One of the key features of IBM Concert is its 360 view, which provides a unified perspective on the application environment, critical risk information, and a synthesis of collected data from multiple applications.

The introduction of IBM Concert aligns with IBM’s broader automation strategy, which includes integrating technologies from Red Hat Ansible, HashiCorp (post closure of the acquisition), and other IBM solutions such as Instana, Turbonomic, and Cloudability. Red Hat Ansible’s automation capabilities, combined with IBM’s robust software solutions, provide a comprehensive toolkit for managing and optimizing IT operations. HashiCorp’s infrastructure automation tools further enhance IBM’s ability to deliver seamless, automated workflows across hybrid cloud environments.

IBM Concert initially focuses on three critical use cases: application security risk management, application compliance management, and application certificate management. By addressing these areas, IBM Concert helps enterprises proactively manage risks, streamline compliance processes, and effectively handle certificate lifecycles. This approach not only reduces complexity but also drives innovation and operational efficiency.

Rob Thomas’ leadership has been instrumental in steering IBM toward this vision of integrated automation. His strategic insights and commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies have been pivotal in shaping IBM’s automation portfolio. The launch of IBM Concert is a clear indication of IBM’s direction, showcasing how the company is integrating AI and automation to deliver value to its clients and drive business outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The early glimpses of IBM’s strategic direction post the closure of the HashiCorp acquisition indicate a well-placed company ready to capitalize on emerging industry trends. The acquisition of HashiCorp, known for its infrastructure automation software, will bolster IBM’s capabilities in managing and optimizing cloud and on-premises environments. This move is aligned with IBM’s strategy to enhance its automation portfolio and provide more comprehensive solutions to its clients.

As IBM continues to plan how it will integrate HashiCorp’s technologies with its existing offerings, such as Red Hat OpenShift and watsonx, the company is well-positioned to address the growing demand for automation and AI-driven solutions. Thematic trends in the industry, such as the increasing adoption of hybrid cloud environments, the need for robust security and compliance management, and the drive toward operational efficiency, play directly into IBM’s strengths.

Looking ahead, IBM is poised to take advantage of these trends by offering innovative solutions that leverage AI, automation, and cloud technologies. The company’s focus on ARR and its commitment to delivering high-value, integrated solutions will continue to drive growth and solidify its position as a leader in the technology industry. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, IBM is well-equipped to help enterprises navigate the complexities of the digital age and achieve their business objectives.

Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.

Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.