IBM and Microsoft, two of the largest IT companies globally, have joined forces to accelerate impact and innovation on an enterprise scale. While they may typically be seen as competitors, the partnership between IBM and Microsoft allows clients to leverage the strengths of both companies to meet their evolving business needs. Through a combination of technology, cloud, and consulting services, along with a network of partners, IBM and Microsoft offer joint solutions for businesses looking to drive transformation and improve costs, productivity, and resilience.

The collaboration between IBM and Microsoft brings together their aligned technology portfolios, consulting services, and expertise in areas such as hybrid multicloud, AI, and security. Companies can engage with top worldwide global systems integrator partners, like IBM Consulting, to simplify application modernization and accelerate cloud adoption while ensuring flexibility and security. By breaking down silos and opening closed systems, organizations can increase operational efficiency and drive real business transformation.

IBM and Microsoft’s joint solutions focus on driving hybrid cloud and AI journeys for clients, as these approaches have been shown to deliver significant returns-on-investment. For example, a hybrid cloud approach brings an average of 2.5 times higher ROI compared to relying solely on public cloud services. Additionally, companies investing in AI see revenue uplifts of 3 to 15 percent and sales ROI uplifts of 10 to 20 percent.

The partnership between IBM and Microsoft has already yielded meaningful results. IBM Consulting Microsoft practice has co-developed solutions with Microsoft and acquired new capabilities through acquisitions like Neudesic. This commitment has led to IBM’s recognition in 13 categories for Microsoft’s Partner of the Year Awards.

IBM and Microsoft are also working together on various projects, such as modernizing mainframe applications and driving sustainable and resilient operations. For example, the combination of IBM Maximo Application Suite and Microsoft Azure has transformed how clients approach business outcomes, accelerating deployment, minimizing costs, and ensuring compliance.

Digital marketplaces, like the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, are becoming increasingly important for clients looking to buy software. IBM recognizes this trend and has deployed over 35 software offerings on the Azure Marketplace. The partnership between IBM and Microsoft extends to supporting clients in leveraging these marketplaces and using their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitments (MACC) effectively.

Looking ahead, IBM and Microsoft are committed to ongoing co-development, co-investments, and co-delivery for their joint clients. They are exploring areas of integration and complementary offerings in hybrid cloud and AI and are excited about upcoming launches and announcements.

FAQ

1. What are the benefits of the partnership between IBM and Microsoft?

The partnership allows clients to leverage the combined strengths of IBM and Microsoft to drive enterprise-wide transformation, improve costs and productivity, and accelerate innovation. They can take advantage of the technology, cloud, and consulting services offered by both companies, along with their ecosystem of partners.

2. How does the partnership help with application modernization and cloud adoption?

Through the partnership, companies can engage with IBM Consulting and leverage Microsoft Cloud and Azure Red Hat OpenShift to simplify application modernization and speed up cloud adoption. This collaboration provides flexibility and security, enabling organizations to break down silos, increase operational efficiency, and drive real business transformation.

3. What are the advantages of a hybrid cloud approach?

A hybrid cloud approach, which combines public and private cloud services, brings an average ROI that is 2.5 times higher compared to relying solely on public cloud services. It allows companies to leverage the benefits of both environments, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

4. What offerings are available on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace?

IBM has deployed over 35 software offerings on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, including IBM Netezza Performance Server, IBM Turbonomic Application Resource Management, IBM Aspera on Cloud, and SingleStoreDB as a Service with IBM. These offerings provide clients with a range of software solutions that can be easily accessed and deployed on the Azure Marketplace.

5. What can we expect from the IBM and Microsoft partnership in the future?

The partnership between IBM and Microsoft will continue to focus on co-development, co-investments, and co-delivery for their joint clients. They are exploring areas of integration and complementary offerings in hybrid cloud and AI, and there are plans for upcoming launches and announcements.