IBM has announced that it is adding four new cloud data centers infused with cognitive intelligence in the UK, to keep pace with growing client demand. The investment in the new facilities would triple IBM’s cloud data center capacity in the UK.
The new investment expands IBM Cloud data centers to six in the UK and 16 total across Europe – making it one of the most comprehensive cloud networks for delivering cloud services.
These new facilities expand the IBM Cloud data center footprint to more than 50 data centers worldwide. With these new data centers, clients have access to a complete portfolio of IBM cloud services for running their mission critical enterprise workloads and innovations through more than 150 digital services (APIs).
These digital services are available via IBM’s development platform, Bluemix and include Watson, IBM’s cognitive intelligence technology that allows computers to think and learn like humans, building blocks for innovative Blockchain applications that increase trust in transactions, plus enabling technologies for Internet of Things (IoT) and analytics applications.
Thomson Selects Watson
Thomson, part of TUI UK & Ireland, one of the UK’s largest tour operators, is trialing a new travel search tool, which leverages Watson cognitive services on the IBM Cloud with its customers giving them the opportunity to find travel inspiration by interacting with the virtual travel assistant. The tool is a smart chat-bot that interacts with consumers to provide real-time search results on travel destinations and holiday inquiries, such as “I want to visit local markets/ go on an adventure/ have a cultured holiday/ see exotic animals”.
Thomson is tapping into IBM‘s cloud data center in the UK and leverages Watson APIs such as conversation, natural language classifier and speech-to-text. The experimental website gains insights and learns from data via frequent requests to provide more digital intelligence that matches customer requirements.
