IBM technology to assist Lankan biz to mitigate COVID impact

• Announces ‘hybrid cloud’-driven strategy for Sri Lanka
• Extends global partnership with local data analytics consultancy PMsquare

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
American multinational technology company IBM this week announced its ‘hybrid cloud’-driven strategy for Sri Lanka—an artificial intelligence (AI) solution that serves as a platform for businesses to reset their operations, following the impact faced from the global pandemic.

In an effort to deliver a solution that would allow the local businesses to dive into the new normal with innovative technology, IBM shared that it has decided to extend its global partnership with PMsquare, a ‘platinum’ IBM business partner in Sri Lanka.

PMsquare is a leading data analytics consultancy, combining international reach with experience across Asia and has been an IBM business partner for over 13 years.
According to the comprehensive plan that was spelt out at a virtual meeting, PMsquare will collaborate with IBM on data and business analytics solutions to co-create and co-innovate for clients in the Sri Lankan market. 

“As organisations are beginning to reset, recover and revive their business to emerge smarter from the pandemic, IBM will focus on helping them adapt to the new normal by infusing AI into their workflows, shifting to hybrid cloud, strengthening cybersecurity and automating IT processes,” shared IBM India/South Asia Managing Director Sandip Patel. 

Commending Sri Lanka’s efforts in navigating through the pandemic and tackling the challenges that stemmed from it, he pointed out that the island nation needs to embrace the digital wave in an effective manner, so that the required business transformation is achieved.

“With a strong channel ecosystem, a robust hybrid cloud capability and deep cybersecurity expertise, we are poised to take the lead in helping Sri Lankan enterprises emerge smarter in their digital transformation journey,” said Patel.

According to IBM Sri Lanka Country General Manager Riza Wadood, while post pandemic organisations would turn to solutions such as Watson AIOps and Cloud Paks to future proof their business, IBM’s extension of PMsquare in local market allows increased access to such technologies.

“Brining in a global partner such as PMsquare will allow businesses to easily enable and implement modern workplaces,” added Wadood.  Meanwhile, PMsquare Regional Director Asia and Group CFO Jason Rankin shared that Sri Lanka already has a customer base of large companies, whose combined revenue figures are close to US $ 88 billion.

IBM has been a key partner in the technology-driven development of Sri Lanka’s business and industry for over 58 years.