IBM Watson s Next Venture: Fueling New Era of Cognitive Apps Built in the Cloud by Developers

ARMONK, N.Y. - 14 Nov 2013: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that, for the first time, it will make its IBM Watson technology available as a development platform in the cloud, to enable a worldwide community of software application providers to build a new generation of apps infused with Watsons cognitive computing intelligence

The move aims to spur innovation and fuel a new ecosystem of entrepreneurial software application providers ranging from start-ups and emerging, venture capital backed businesses to established players. Together with IBM, these business partners share a vision for creating a new class of cognitive applications that transform how businesses and consumers make decisions.

To bring this shared vision to life, IBM will be launching the IBM Watson Developers Cloud, a cloud-hosted marketplace where application providers of all sizes and industries will be able to tap into resources for developing Watson-powered apps. This will include a developer toolkit, educational materials and access to Watsons application programming interface (API).

IBM partners that build Watson-powered apps in the cloud will be able to choose from two sources of data-driven content, to prepare their apps to uncover insights for users. App providers can use their own company's data, or access the IBM Watson Content Store, featuring third-party content that offers data-rich resources that can fuel Watson's ever expanding knowledge.

IBM will also connect its app-building partners with skilled professionals who can help advance their creative visions into market-ready products and services. IBM has committed more than 500 of its own subject matter experts as part of the overall program, in areas such as design, development and research. In addition, application providers participating in the ecosystem are expected to be able to connect with freelance professionals whose expertise can serve as a complement to their existing teams, from programmers to app developers.

By sharing IBM Watsons cognitive abilities with the world, we aim to fuel a new ecosystem that accelerates innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit," said Michael Rhodin, Senior Vice President, IBM Software Solutions Group. With this move, IBM is taking a bold step to advance the new era of cognitive computing. Together with our partners well spark a new class of applications that will learn from experience, improve with each interaction and outcome, and assist in solving the most complex questions facing the industry and society."

IBM is unveiling its new ecosystem vision with three business partners that have developed early versions of Watson-powered apps, targeted to enter the market in 2014:

Fluid Retail: Fluid, which builds online shopping experiences for retail businesses to drive customer engagement and conversion, is developing the Fluid Expert Personal Shopper(sm) powered by IBM Watson. The app calls upon Watsons ability to understand the nuances of human language and uncover answers from Big Data. Consumers who use Fluids app will interact with rich media and dialogue with Watson, as their newfound cognitive, expert personal shopper. The Fluid app incorporates the information users share and questions they ask to help them make smart, satisfying purchases by putting a knowledgeable sales associate in the hands of consumers, on demand.

MD Buyline: This provider of supply chain solutions for hospitals and healthcare systems is developing an app to allow clinical and financial users to make real-time, informed decisions about medical device purchases, to improve quality, value, outcomes and patient satisfaction.Hippocrates powered by IBM Watson will provide users with access to a helpful research assistant that provides fast, evidence based recommendations from a wealth of data, to help ensure medical organizations are making the best decisions for their physicians and patients needs.

Welltok: A pioneer in the emerging field of Social Health Management , Welltok is developing an app that will create Intelligent Health Itineraries for consumers. These personalized itineraries, sponsored by health plans, health systems and health retailers, will include tailored activities, relevant content and condition management programs, and will reward users for engaging in healthy behaviors. Consumers who use Welltoks app -- Caf Well Concierge powered by IBM Watson will participate in conversations about their health with Watson. By leveraging Watsons ability to learn from every interaction, the app will offer insights tailored to each individual's health needs.

Accelerating the New Era of Computing

More than two years after IBM Watsons triumph on the TV quiz show Jeopardy!, IBM will share Watson as a platform to fuel new business ventures and advance the fast-emerging era of cognitive computing.

IBM is at the forefront of this era, as noted by analyst firm Frost & Sullivan, which recently recognized IBM Watson with the 2013 North America Award for New Product Innovation. Gartner Inc., which cites IBM Watson in its Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2014, predicts that by 2017, 10 percent of computers will be able to learn as Watson does.

To grow its community of business partners, IBM will work with its premier network of strategic Venture Capital partners, whose role will be to identify, engage and support application providers that are well positioned to create and market Watson-powered apps. IBM will also leverage its deep bench of Independent Software Vendor partners to expand its ecosystem of cognitive computing innovation.

"The significance here is that IBM will enable other companies, large and small, to embed access to Watson into their products and services, or better yet, to build applications on top of it," said Mohamad Makhzoumi, Partner at New Enterprise Associates and boa

LINK:	http://www-03.ibm.com/press/uk/en/pressrelease/42483.wss...
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