IBM announced the expanded availability of its software portfolio in AWS Marketplace to 92 countries, beyond the current locations that currently have the software available in Denmark, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The integration into AWS Marketplace, a fully digital catalog of thousands of software listings from independent software vendors, makes it easy to find, test, purchase, and deploy software for running users on Amazon Web Services. This strategic expansion is designed to make it even easier for clients to procure, further optimize the purchase process, and introduce new efficiencies as they use their AWS committed spend to purchase IBM software.
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What the Expansion is All About
IBM’s latest announcement brings expanded access to its artificial intelligence (AI) and data technologies through a comprehensive portfolio of 44 listings and 29 Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings. Among these offerings are components of the Watsonx AI and Data platform, enabling enterprises to develop, scale, and manage AI workloads effectively. Notable additions include Watsonx. data, a purpose-built data store utilizing an open data lakehouse architecture, and Watsonx.ai, an advanced enterprise studio tailored for AI developers. Additionally, two of IBM’s AI Assistants, Watsonx Assistant and Watsonx Orchestrate, are now available in the AWS Marketplace, with Watsonx.governance is expected to join the lineup soon.
Impact of Cloud Marketplaces for Acquisition of Software
Cloud marketplaces are the fastest route to market for SaaS software. A recent Canalys study forecasted a growth of US $45 bn by 2025, with an 84% CAGR for the following five years.
Marketplaces offer multiple benefits:
- the process of buying is made faster, the billing processes are centralized
- the deployments of software scale
Uri Bechar, Vice President of Software Engineering at Redis, described how IBM and AWS are critical for his company’s success. According to Bechar, the purchase of IBM software through the AWS Marketplace makes the process of buying easier. It accelerates the process, streamlines the purchase order, and brings consolidated billing. Beyond that, the software deployment becomes instantaneously scalable, and the usage of committed spend is available without anticipating approval. This smooth procurement quickens the deployment process and unlocks value with one click of acceptance.
What IBM’s Extensive Suite Offers?
IBM offers an extensive suite of software that caters to every client’s need. This includes IBM’s acclaimed database solution, Db2 Cloud Pak for Data, coupled with an array of automation software, including but not limited to Apptio, Turbonomic, and Instana. The clients also await IBM’s strong Security and Sustainability portfolios integrated with Red Hat OpenShift Service on AWS, all of which ensure clients deploy on AWS infrastructure with minimal friction. Further, flexible licensing options, such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and subscription models, enable the client to buy only the solution they need.
IBM Consulting Expands Services on AWS Marketplace
In addition to expanding its software portfolio, IBM is also launching 15 new IBM Consulting professional services and assets on AWS Marketplace. These services are designed specifically for the AWS cloud platform and focus on areas of high client demand, including data and application modernization, security services, and industry-specific solutions. Select services will also incorporate generative AI capabilities.
Leveraging its team of 24,000 AWS-certified consultants and experts, IBM Consulting will provide clients with tailored recommendations based on industry best practices to help them achieve their transformation goals.
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FAQs
1. What will customers able to buy through AWS Marketplace today?
A larger selection of IBM software, including AI and data technologies through 44 listings and 29 SaaS offerings.
This includes components of the Watsonx AI and Data platform for building, scaling, and managing AI workloads.
Specifically, Watsonx.data (data store), Watsonx.ai (AI development studio), and IBM AI assistants (Watsonx Assistant, Watsonx Orchestrate, and soon Watsonx.governance).
2. Why behind Software portfolio expansion by IBM?
Cloud marketplaces are a fast-growing way to buy and sell software, leading to faster procurement, centralized billing, and easier scaling.
3. What does this mean for customers?
- Easier and faster software buying through AWS Marketplace.
- Centralized buying with consolidated billing.
- Scalability with your needs.
- Use the committed spend of AWS for the purchase of IBM software.
4. What types of software?
The variety includes:
- AI and data platform tools (Watsonx platform)
- Database solutions (Db2 Cloud Pak for Data)
- Automation software (Apptio, Turbonomic, Instana)
- Security and Sustainability software (integrated with Red Hat OpenShift Service on AWS)
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