10 Jul IBM’s tech being put to the test
IBM is one of the oldest technology organizations, but its services, products and strategies have significantly changed over the years to evolve with consumer and business requirements. The company has hands in a number of different industries and remains a reputable brand among its competitors. As needs continue to shift, IBM is continuously developing new offerings and initiatives to improve processes and bring true value to the user. Let’s take a look at some of the most influential ways that IBM’s technology has recently been put to the test:
IBM reducing technology barriers
Technology is meant to make processes simpler and help people do their jobs more effectively. However, individuals with disabilities – both physical and cognitive – often have a difficult time using these products and services. The IBM Accessibility Research group is aiming to reduce barriers to technology by focusing on delivering solutions that help individuals with disabilities, novice users, the aging population and people with language, learning and literacy challenges. Forbes contributor Robert J. Szczerba noted that this initiative could allow people of all ages and abilities to better access technology and live more independent, productive lives.
As technology grows more complex, it will be integral to enable it for true accessibility. This means that hardware and software must be created to adapt to current users of varying skill levels while designing for future generations as well. By eliminating barriers to technology use, people can help improve health care, boost quality of life and bring people closer together.
IBM looks to reduce barriers for technology accessibility.
Predicting conditions with supercomputers
Big data, analysis and machine learning are all a big part of the future, and IBM has forged all three with the use of Watson and supercomputers. These behemoths can evaluate massive amounts of data quickly and use historical information to predict future outcomes. The accuracy of this technology is improving significantly, which is proving beneficial for a number of different industries.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology found that IBM’s Watson for Oncology provided cancer treatments that often aligned with physician recommendations, Engadget contributor Mallory Locklear reported. Watson was also 78 percent faster at screening breast and lung cancer patients for clinical trial eligibility, reducing screening time from 110 minutes to 24. The expanding list of cancers that Watson can evaluate will help physicians augment their own expertise to deliver appropriate treatments.
IBM’s supercomputers are also being used to power global weather forecasts. Engadget contributor David Lumb noted that this effort will move to build a model that covers the whole globe while accounting for the influence of smaller events on local weather. IBM is planning to adapt community weather models to a global scale and refine the technology for more accurate, longer-term predictions. This initiative will help keep people safe and informed on weather conditions.
“The real gold is in the world’s unsearchable data.”
Reinventing around data
Innovation is necessary to keep up with the competition, and IBM is no stranger to reinventing itself. In an interview with “Mad Money” host Jim Cramer, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty said that she believes the real gold is in the world’s unsearchable data, CNBC reported. Rometty also stated that IBM is gearing itself around analyzing and leveraging data effectively. The organization is also aiming to provide businesses insights based solely on their own personal data, ensuring that no one else can use it.
As part of its reinvention around data, IBM is working with a logistics solution provider to develop a new blockchain and Internet of Things strategy. According to CoinDesk, this solution will track the status of trucks as well as cargo information, creating greater transparency across the delivery process. IoT sensors would track the shipment journey, giving peace of mind that the blockchain is secure. The effort also checks on factors like severe weather and traffic that could impact the journey and estimated delivery time. Real-time updates ensure visibility throughout the entire process, enabling blockchains to become more efficient and respond to challenges effectively.
Companies are constantly shifting to better serve customer needs, and IBM is no exception. The organization is reinventing itself around data, predicting conditions with supercomputers and reducing technology barriers. These lofty goals are the way of the future and could shape how businesses operate. For more information about how to capitalize on IBM’s advancements, contact Pinnacle Business Systems today.
