The Intelligent Companion was designed in collaboration with WongDoody, a creative and technology agency that specializes in intelligent marketing experiences, alongside IBM, leveraging their state-of-the-art AI suite, the IBM watsonx portfolio. This collaboration reflects a focused strategy by Mitsubishi Motors Canada to adopt advanced tools that deliver tangible value to consumers.

A standout feature of The Intelligent Companion is its ability to provide an interactive 3D visual guide of the Outlander, allowing potential buyers to explore the vehicle in a dynamic environment. Customers can ask questions and receive tailored responses, all while being guided through the myriad features of the new vehicle. This level of personalization is a significant improvement compared to traditional vehicle marketing approaches, such as static brochures or pre-recorded tours.

"The Intelligent Companion" allows users to journey from interested onlookers to informed buyers by addressing individual needs and preferences. Built on IBM’s watsonx Orchestrate and watsonx.ai, the tool can manage and process extensive data, producing responses that feel conversational and natural, hence enhancing user engagement.

Steve Carter, Marketing Director at Mitsubishi Motors Canada, said, "The Intelligent Companion represents a major leap forward in customer engagement, offering a tailored experience that highlights the best features of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2025. Working with WongDoody and IBM has been an incredible collaboration, and we’re truly impressed by how quickly this innovation came to life."

For small business owners, especially those in the automotive or retail sectors, The Intelligent Companion demonstrates how AI can reshape customer engagement processes. Implementing similar technology could help businesses provide personalized experiences that attract and retain customers. In a marketplace where consumer expectations for tailored communications are rising, embracing AI-driven tools may be key to standing out from competitors.

The collaborative effort in developing the tool was remarkably swift, moving from the initial concept to a live market launch within twelve weeks. Ralf Gehrig, Global Chief Experience Officer at WongDoody, emphasized the significance of this rapid development. "Bringing this project to life at such speed and scale is a testament to the power of AI and global collaboration. This project proves that when the right minds and technology come together, the possibilities are endless."

However, small business owners should also consider potential challenges that come with integrating such technology. Initial costs, the learning curve associated with adopting AI tools, and the need for continuous data input to maintain accuracy and relevance may pose hurdles for smaller businesses. Additionally, as the tool relies heavily on data, businesses must ensure they have robust data privacy protocols in place. Customers are more aware than ever of their data usage, and any tools should be implemented with transparency to foster trust.

Matt Sanchez, Vice President of Product at IBM’s watsonx Orchestrate, highlighted that "with the watsonx portfolio, clients can swiftly and efficiently integrate generative AI into their operations and enrich customer experiences." The ability to roll out AI-driven solutions could thus empower small businesses to operate more efficiently while enhancing their interactions with customers.

By utilizing innovative technologies like The Intelligent Companion, Mitsubishi Motors Canada sets a noteworthy precedent for businesses aiming to refine customer engagement strategies. As they embrace a digital future, small business owners across various industries can draw valuable lessons from this initiative. With the right approach and technology, the possibilities for enhancing customer experiences are boundless.

For additional details on this development, you can view the full press release here.

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“Call for Code is a unique global tech initiative that inspires and empowers developers and problem-solvers from around the world to use their talent to innovate for social good,” said David Clark, Founder and CEO of Call for Code. This initiative has consistently motivated developers since its inception in 2018 to tackle some of the world’s most significant issues through technology.

This year, participants can join five qualifying hackathons designed to encourage the development of original proof-of-concept solutions utilizing IBM’s watsonx and cloud services. Each hackathon will center around a different SDG, allowing small business owners and entrepreneurs to tap into the potential of AI technology and apply it to real-world issues.

The first hackathon, running from March 20 through March 31, focuses on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Participants have the opportunity to create an AI virtual agent to address water-related challenges—an initiative that drives down to the roots of community sustainability. Following this, the program will host a hackathon for SDG 13: Climate Action in conjunction with the upcoming Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit. This summit is noted for being one of the largest human rights-based climate forums globally, involving collaboration from reputable institutions such as the University of Oxford.

“The resources provided through Call for Code, particularly no-cost access to enterprise-grade IBM software, give developers a unique opportunity to explore AI tools they might not otherwise access,” noted Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President at IBM Software. The exposure to cutting-edge technology can boost the capabilities of small teams, enabling them to create impactful solutions that could resonate within their local communities and beyond.

Participants can compete for multiple prizes, including $5,000 for winners of each hackathon and a chance to advance to the grand prize competition, which awards $50,000 to the best solution. Furthermore, successful teams may receive open-source project support from the Linux Foundation, promoting a collaborative environment for maintaining sustainability beyond the competition.

However, small business owners should consider certain challenges. Engaging in hackathons requires not only technical skill but also a clear understanding of the SDGs to develop relevant, actionable solutions. Additionally, the time investment needed to participate might compete with the daily demands of running a business. Yet, the benefits—such as networking with a community of like-minded individuals, developing team skills, and potentially generating solutions that can drive a business forward—offer compelling reasons to participate.

Still, navigating the competitive landscape can be daunting for those new to hackathons. Businesses might need to assess whether they have the resources and time to engage fully and form successful teams. However, for those who lean into these challenges, the potential for innovation and the opportunity to champion social good through technology is significant.

Interested developers and teams can register for the upcoming hackathon until March 18, 2025, buoyed by the excitement surrounding the promise of AI in service of humanity. Further details on all qualifying hackathons for the year will be updated on the Call for Code website as they occur.

By joining in, entrepreneurs can not only contribute to meaningful causes but also expand their own business horizons through the transformative applications of AI in addressing global issues. Those looking to build community connections and innovate within their skill sets have much to gain from this initiative.

For more information on the 2025 Call for Code initiative, please visit the original post at https://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-03-05-2025-call-for-code-engages-developers-to-build-ai-solutions-that-address-social-and-humanitarian-issues.

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Vodafone, a leading telecommunications provider with millions of customers across Europe, has unveiled a proof of concept that integrates IBM’s Quantum Safe technology into its Vodafone Secure Net service. Traditionally, this all-in-one security solution helps safeguard customers against phishing, malware, and identity theft while they browse the internet on their mobile devices.

The initiative is timely as the potential for quantum computers to break current encryption standards could undermine the very foundations of internet security. Luke Ibbetson, Head of Research & Development at Vodafone, emphasized the dual nature of quantum computing, stating, “On the one hand, quantum computing could have many societal benefits… But on the other hand, it could be used to undermine the cryptographic principles that the Internet relies on today.” The collaboration with IBM aims to preemptively address these risks by implementing post-quantum cryptography standards to bolster their existing security measures.

Business owners can find several key benefits to this development. First, the implementation of quantum-safe technology will likely enhance customer trust in Vodafone’s services, a factor crucial for companies looking to maintain and grow their customer base. Small businesses that rely on secure digital communications might consider partnering with cybersecurity firms or leveraging services like Vodafone Secure Net to protect their operations.

Moreover, the demonstration at the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Barcelona showcases how Vodafone and IBM plan to set an industry standard. Lory Thorpe, Quantum Safe Industry Lead at IBM, noted the urgency for organizations to adapt, stating, “It’s crucial for organizations to implement post-quantum cryptography,” and praising Vodafone for its leadership in adopting these advanced security solutions. This could serve as a model for other small businesses, encouraging them to adopt similar standards in their cybersecurity frameworks.

However, small business owners should also be vigilant about potential challenges that may arise from this technological shift. While transitioning to new cryptographic standards promises enhanced security, it can also come with increased complexity and costs. Implementing quantum-safe technology requires a thorough understanding of current infrastructures and may necessitate updates to existing systems, which could be resource-intensive for smaller businesses.

It’s essential to approach the adoption of such technology strategically. Small business owners should evaluate their current cybersecurity measures and consider whether investing in quantum-safe solutions aligns with their operational goals. Engaging with experts in cybersecurity can help to demystify the process and make informed decisions about future-proofing their digital operations.

As Vodafone pursues this ambitious project, it is not only embracing new technologies but also spearheading collaborative efforts within the telecommunications sector. They are part of an industry coalition, the GSMA’s Post-Quantum Telco Network Task Force, which includes over 50 telecommunications companies working together to establish best practices in post-quantum cryptography.

In summary, the partnership between Vodafone and IBM marks a pivotal moment in smartphone security, offering small business owners a blueprint for navigating the challenges posed by advancing technology. Adopting these new standards could be an essential step in not only safeguarding their businesses but also in gaining a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital landscape. As cyber threats evolve, proactive measures like these can empower business owners to protect their valuable data and customer trust for the future.

For more details on this collaboration, read the full press release on IBM’s newsroom: IBM Newsroom.

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The initiative stems from feedback gathered by Penn State student leaders and a university analysis indicating a pressing need for improved access to essential services. "At Penn State, student success is our priority, and this is an exciting step toward continuing to enhance the lives and experiences of students across our University," stated Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. The virtual assistant is set to launch in the upcoming fall semester, with high hopes to remove barriers, improve retention rates, and foster a sense of belonging among the student body.

For small business owners, the significance of this collaboration cannot be understated. As higher education institutions increasingly adopt AI technologies, they are setting examples that could influence the business landscape. Small business leaders might find inspiration in this approach as they look to integrate AI solutions into their operations, enhancing customer engagement and streamlining services.

One of the standout features of MyResource is its ability to leverage generative AI for real-time assistance. IBM plans to use watsonx Assistant’s conversational AI capabilities, allowing the MyResource tool to generate accurate answers and recommendations based on the data collected from Penn State. This could serve as a model for small businesses aiming to implement similar technologies for customer service, removing friction in communication and improving response times.

Frank Attaie, IBM’s General Manager for the Public Sector, emphasized the growing demand for swift access to resources, stating, "Penn State students want quicker access to the important resources they need to be successful during their college experience and beyond. By integrating IBM’s AI, Penn State can unlock new possibilities for its students." This insight resonates with small business owners who seek to enhance service delivery and customer interactions in a competitive environment.

While the MyResource project promises significant benefits, small business owners should also remain cognizant of the potential challenges that come with adopting AI technology. The incorporation of AI systems often requires investment in infrastructure, employee training, and an ongoing commitment to data management practices. Furthermore, businesses must prioritize safeguarding customer data and ensuring that AI interactions are free from biases and inaccuracies.

The MyResource project will utilize watsonx.ai to host and refine AI models, employing built-in safeguards to detect harmful language and ensure sensitive data protection. This highlights a crucial consideration for small businesses looking to integrate AI into their offerings: the importance of responsible AI practices. Small businesses should approach the implementation of AI thoughtfully, balancing innovation with ethical standards and security compliance.

IBM’s commitment to extending this AI concierge solution to other higher education institutions represents a broader trend of incorporating advanced technology in educational settings. This could lead to increased interest in similar applications within the small business sector, particularly among service-oriented companies aiming to improve customer satisfaction.

With the landscape of technology continually evolving, the lessons learned from the Penn State and IBM collaboration could serve as guiding principles for small business leaders. By observing how large organizations implement AI solutions, smaller firms can adapt those strategies to suit their unique needs and challenges.

As businesses assess their operational strategies and seek to enhance customer relationships, the insights gained from initiatives like MyResource can provide a roadmap for adopting AI technologies responsibly and effectively. For those interested in this development, further information is available via IBM’s official announcement here.

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At the heart of HashiCorp’s value is its suite of products designed to automate and secure cloud infrastructure, responding directly to the demands of small business owners aiming to streamline operations and maximize the value of their cloud investments. Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President of IBM Software and Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “Organizations globally are looking to deploy modern, hybrid cloud-ready apps, which require automated cloud infrastructure at significant scale.” This automation is critical as companies face an exponential increase in cloud-native applications, projected to reach 1 billion by 2028.

HashiCorp’s tools, particularly Terraform and Vault, are expected to provide significant synergies when combined with IBM’s existing offerings, including Red Hat’s Ansible Automation Platform and IBM’s suite of AI-driven IT management tools. Terraform specializes in infrastructure provisioning, while Vault focuses on secrets management and security across multi-cloud environments. Together, they pave the way for small businesses to improve their operational efficiency while ensuring robust security measures are in place.

Moreover, integrating these technologies will allow small businesses to adopt a more interoperable approach to managing their cloud infrastructure. This is particularly important as many small enterprises struggle with the complexity of navigating multiple cloud ecosystems. “With IBM’s history, global scale, and customer relationships, HashiCorp can now expand our reach to help our community of customers, practitioners, and partners automate, secure, and optimize their cloud infrastructure,” said HashiCorp CEO Dave McJannet.

Despite the numerous benefits presented by the merger, small business owners should also be mindful of the potential challenges that come with new technology integrations. The learning curve associated with adopting a new suite of tools can potentially disrupt existing workflows. Small businesses may need to invest in training or additional resources to fully leverage the capabilities of HashiCorp’s offerings, particularly if they are not already familiar with Terraform or Vault.

Additionally, while the acquisition brings exciting innovations, the cost implications should not be overlooked. With IBM acquiring all outstanding shares of HashiCorp for approximately $6.4 billion, the financial commitment behind this integration may lead to adjustments in pricing for existing and future offerings. Small business owners will need to evaluate these costs versus the anticipated efficiency gains and operational improvements.

One of the standout advantages of the acquisition is the potential for enhanced support from IBM, a company known for its commitment to client partnerships. The integration of HashiCorp’s technology into IBM’s comprehensive hybrid cloud platform positions it as a significant player for small businesses looking to automate their IT environments. The added strength of AI-driven IT automation capabilities will help small businesses reduce costs associated with managing applications and optimize their IT spending—a critical concern for many in today’s economy.

As IBM integrates HashiCorp into its broader product ecosystem, the expectation is that these advanced tools will democratize access to enterprise-level cloud solutions, empowering small businesses to innovate, automate, and compete on a larger scale. This acquisition aligns with IBM’s goal to provide clients with better insights into their data and operational expenditures, ultimately assisting them in navigating the digital transformation journey with greater confidence.

For more detailed information about IBM’s acquisition of HashiCorp, you can read the original press release here.

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The two tech giants plan to integrate IBM’s watsonx.governance into Qualcomm’s AI Inference Suite. This integration will allow businesses to manage their AI interactions responsibly while also improving performance at enterprise scale. Small business owners can expect tools that emphasize immediacy, privacy, reliability, personalization, and energy efficiency, often crucial elements when considering technological investments.

“Qualcomm Technologies is excited to join forces with IBM to deliver cutting-edge, enterprise-grade generative AI solutions for devices across the edge and cloud,” stated Durga Malladi, Qualcomm’s senior vice president. The collaboration aims to offer solutions that not only accelerate AI deployment but also ensure robust governance and monitoring capabilities.

One significant component of the partnership is IBM’s Granite 3.1 models, which have been optimized for Qualcomm’s ecosystem and are accessible through the Qualcomm AI Hub. This allows developers and businesses to harness AI’s potential directly at the edge, empowering them to make rapid, data-driven decisions. This could be particularly beneficial for small businesses in sectors like retail, logistics, and health care, where timely information can drive better customer engagement or operational efficiency.

Another critical advance is the Qualcomm Cloud AI family of accelerators achieving Red Hat OpenShift certification. This certification is a significant step for small businesses operating hybrid environments, allowing them to deploy IBM’s suite of software applications across cloud platforms with greater ease and scalability. It potentially reduces the complexity and cost associated with traditional IT infrastructure.

However, while the benefits of these AI solutions are evident, small business owners should also consider the potential challenges. Implementing these advanced technologies requires not just investment in hardware and software but also adequate training for staff to leverage these tools effectively. Additionally, as AI becomes more integrated into business operations, the need for robust data governance processes cannot be overstated. Business owners will have to ensure compliance with local regulations regarding data privacy and security, which can vary significantly from region to region.

Ritika Gunnar, IBM’s General Manager of Data and AI, pointed out the partnership’s focus on transforming how businesses harness AI, regardless of where their data resides. “By optimizing IBM’s watsonx.governance and Granite models for use with Snapdragon and Qualcomm Dragonwing platforms, we’re helping businesses capitalize on the transformative power of AI,” she remarked.

The integration of generative AI into small business operations can represent a significant competitive advantage. With access to reliable AI solutions that allow for rapid response times and personalized customer experiences, small business owners could enhance their performance in an increasingly competitive market.

As these AI technologies continue to evolve, businesses must stay informed about innovations and trends. Monitoring industry developments can provide insights into how to leverage these tools effectively. For instance, the collaboration’s outcomes will be showcased at Mobile World Congress 2025, allowing businesses to see firsthand the practical implications of these technologies.

Ultimately, Qualcomm and IBM’s partnership signifies a concerted effort to push generative AI into the mainstream, making it accessible and advantageous even for smaller enterprises. By understanding the balance between opportunity and challenge, small business owners can better navigate their own digital transformation journeys.

For more details on this collaboration and what it means for small businesses looking to engage with AI, visit the original press release here.

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Granite 3.2 introduces several notable features, including compact AI models equipped with reasoning, vision, and guardrail capabilities. These models are designed to enhance various enterprise applications, from document analysis to long-term forecasting, making them significant tools for businesses looking to integrate AI without overwhelming their existing resources.

One standout element of Granite 3.2 is the Vision Language Model (VLM), adept at document understanding tasks. This model performs on par with larger models—like Llama 3.2 and Pixtral—while utilizing less computing power. It draws on extensive training data, including 85 million PDF documents and 26 million generated question-answer pairs, to assist small businesses in managing complex document-heavy workflows efficiently.

Furthermore, the Granite 3.2 model incorporates advanced reasoning capabilities within its 2 billion and 8 billion parameter models. Significantly, these models offer a "chain of thought" feature that can be toggled on or off, allowing businesses to streamline operations by reducing computational overhead for straightforward tasks. This dual functionality can optimize performance in various scenarios, particularly in environments where resources might be limited.

IBM’s focus on user efficiency also extends to its Granite Guardian models, which have been streamlined with a 30% reduction in size while maintaining performance. Enhanced with a verbalized confidence feature, these models provide a nuanced risk assessment, acknowledging the inherent uncertainties faced by businesses.

According to David Tan, CTO of CrushBank, “At CrushBank, we’ve seen first-hand how IBM’s open, efficient AI models deliver real value for enterprise AI—offering the right balance of performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Granite 3.2 takes it further with new reasoning capabilities, and we’re excited to explore them in building new agentic solutions.”

Beyond reasoning and vision, IBM has also unveiled the next generation of its TinyTimeMixers (TTM) models, which boast fewer than 10 million parameters. These models cater to long-range forecasting needs and can provide key insights into finance and economics, enhance supply chain demand forecasts, and streamline seasonal inventory planning—all crucial elements for small business operations.

For small business owners, the implications of these developments are significant. The streamlined nature of the Granite models means that enterprises can implement powerful AI tools without the burden of extensive infrastructure costs. With an accessible licensing model (Apache 2.0), businesses can experiment with various applications without the risk of hefty financial commitments.

However, integrating such sophisticated models is not without challenges. Small business owners must consider the computational requirements for implementing chain of thought reasoning and ensuring that their current infrastructures are compatible. While the tools are designed to bring efficiency, businesses must still conduct due diligence to assess their capabilities against the needs of their operations.

IBM’s VP of AI Research, Sriram Raghavan, emphasized the commitment to accessible AI solutions, stating, “The next era of AI is about efficiency, integration, and real-world impact—where enterprises can achieve powerful outcomes without excessive spend on compute."

As small businesses navigate the evolving landscape of AI, Granite 3.2 presents a promising opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and boost decision-making processes. With an emphasis on practical applications and ease of use, IBM’s latest offerings are gearing up to become indispensable tools for small business growth and adaptability.

For additional details about Granite 3.2, visit the full announcement at IBM’s newsroom: IBM Granite 3.2.

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