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 explore how IBM’s new Microsoft practice is set to accelerate enterprise AI adoption and transform global digital strategies through deep collaboration and integrated cloud solutions.
Highlights
00:03 — IBM has announced a new Microsoft practice within IBM Consulting. This new practice will assist customers in accelerating digital transformation across AI, cloud, and security. It will combine IBM’s consulting expertise with Microsoft’s core technologies, including Copilot, Azure OpenAI, Azure Cloud Fabric, and Sentinel. Over 33,000 Microsoft-certified professionals will support IBM Consulting clients globally in achieving these goals.
AI Agent & Copilot Summit is an AI-first event to define opportunities, impact, and outcomes with Microsoft Copilot and agents. Building on its 2025 success, the 2026 event takes place March 17-19 in San Diego. Get more details.
00:49 — Mohamad Ali, senior vice president and head of IBM Consulting, said the following: “Establishing a dedicated Microsoft practice is needed to drive meaningful business outcomes for our clients, and I look forward to what we will be able to achieve together.” This latest news builds on other recent offerings, including IBM Copilot Runway and IBM Consulting Azure OpenAI services.
01:53 — It can be challenging not only to envision the outcomes of AI, but also to understand where these technologies fit. That’s why this partnership is such a great match. IBM’s consultancy expertise complements the AI technologies that are destined to become part of everyday practice for Microsoft users.
