
Welcome to the Cloud Wars Minute — your daily cloud news and commentary show. Each episode provides insights and perspectives around the “reimagination machine” that is the cloud.
In today’s Cloud Wars Minute, I discussed IBM’s major new push into artificial intelligence with the launch of WatsonX AI Labs in New York City.
Highlights
00:03 — IBM has announced watsonx AI Labs, a new developer-focused innovation hub located in NYC. It aims to “supercharge AI builders and accelerate AI adoption at scale.” It will concentrate on the co-creation of domain-specific AI solutions to address common enterprise challenges such as customer service, supply chain optimization, cybersecurity, and responsible AI governance.

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00:32 — To achieve these goals, the lab will connect AI developers from leading startups, scale-ups, and enterprises with IBM’s extensive resources. Central to the decision to launch in New York City is IBM’s commitment to developing the city into a global AI hub. According to reports, New York City already has over 2,000 AI startups.
01:31 — The U.S. is on a mission to solidify its position as a global hub for AI. Earlier this year, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said the following: “Not since the invention of electricity has the United States had the opportunity it has today to harness new technology to invigorate the nation’s economy.”