TechFocus Member Spotlight: IBM
In this TechFocus Member Spotlight, Calline Sanchez, Vice President of IBM Global TSS Service Planning and Premium Support and Tucson Site Leader, discusses IBM’s focus on cloud storage and augmented intelligence, the expansion of internship and training programs, and how IBM is using technology to implement its COVID-19 response. IBM’s Tucson location is a center of competence for the company’s portfolio of data storage solutions for software-defined storage, storage support and services, and storage verification.
IBM is focused on delivering great technology to its customers, and as the company’s initiatives reflect, it also sees its role in developing future talent. “As announced by our CEO Arvind Krishna at the THINK 2020 conference, our directions are specific to cloud and AI artificial intelligence, but I will just say, I like the word augmented intelligence for the benefit of humankind.” Another focus area for the company is the expansion of training and education for in demand skills and to increase economic opportunities for communities of color. “For example, we are adding a thousand paid internships in the U. S. for technology students,” said Sanchez.
2020 has been a challenging year for many companies and IBM is no exception. The company has a wealth of technology solutions is drawing upon to ensure employees can come back to the office safely. “The company response to the COVID-19 includes an initiative called Emerge Smarter, which involves a suite of products called Watson Works that uses artificial intelligence, augmented intelligence technology to build transparent and trusted, specifics for our employees,” said Sanchez. “The goal is full transparency for what to expect and what’s happening in the building.” Sanchez points to recent survey data that shows employees are looking for balance between work in the office and remote work, and these solutions are key to bringing employees back to the office.
Sanchez concludes the interview discussing how she feels like a “kid in a candy store” working for the 109-year old company, which is filled with a history of innovation and talented staff who operate and think like entrepreneurs.
Listen to this podcast to hear more from Sanchez on the current market of today’s technology scene and what’s in store for IBM’s future.
