The IBM AI-first strategy and what comes next [Video]

This past week, IBM Corp. hosted an annual analyst forum in New York, where CEO Arvind Krishna and top executives unveiled key developments for the company.

The AI-first strategy was one of the big subjects for theCUBE Research founding analysts John Furrier (pictured, left) and Dave Vellante (right) to dive into on the latest episode of the CUBE Pod.

“Krishna is basically saying, ‘I would do more acquisitions if I didn’t have regulators on my back,’” Furrier said. “He’s itching, you can see in his eyes. He’s got a new culture change. They’re betting on an open ecosystem, they’re streamlining the product portfolio.”

The IBM AI-first strategy in key focus

Under Krishna’s leadership, IBM has more focus these days, according to Vellante, citing the widespread effect of their 2018 acquisition of Red Hat Inc.  for $34 billion.

“That has enabled IBM to execute on a hybrid cloud strategy, and it’s given them access to OpenShift, the leading container platform. They’ve grown that business,” …