A Breakthrough in Digital Transformation: IBM and Unipol Assicurazioni Fortify Their Partnership
November 11, 2025
In a significant move to enhance digital capabilities and foster innovation, IBM and Unipol Assicurazioni have reaffirmed their partnership, continuing a transformative journey that began over a year ago. This collaboration is set to revolutionize Unipol’s IT landscape, leveraging advanced technologies such as IBM’s z17 mainframe and cutting-edge AI solutions. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to harness hybrid cloud capabilities and build a robust AI ecosystem that aligns with Unipol’s business objectives.
In the bustling city of Milan, IBM and Unipol Assicurazioni, a leading European insurance group, have recommitted to their collaborative efforts. This renewed agreement is pivotal in driving Unipol’s digital transformation, which focuses on adopting hybrid cloud strategies and enhancing IT infrastructure with IBM’s latest z17 technology. This technology empowers the company to integrate AI capabilities directly onto its mainframe data, a significant leap forward in operational efficiency and innovation.
The partnership utilizes IBM’s state-of-the-art mainframe and storage technologies, combined with hybrid multi-cloud platforms like Red Hat OpenShift. This integration has been instrumental for Unipol’s IT division, allowing them to swiftly adapt to evolving customer needs and spearhead an innovative automation project powered by IBM’s watsonx. This suite of AI solutions encompasses both traditional and generative AI capabilities, providing a versatile platform for Unipol’s diverse operational requirements.
At the heart of this transformation is NAMI, a platform developed by Unipol’s IT division. Named after the Japanese word for ‘wave,’ NAMI is designed to modernize Unipol’s IT operations. It operates within the company’s premises, blending the control and security of on-premise solutions with the scalability of cloud computing. This hybrid approach allows Unipol to maintain stringent data security and governance while benefiting from the flexibility and performance of cloud resources.
IBM’s watsonx was selected for its open architecture, enabling seamless integration with RedHat OpenShift and compatibility with existing tools like Ansible. This open nature also grants access to a comprehensive library of foundation models, including specialized ones, allowing Unipol to choose the best solutions for specific use cases. This careful selection optimizes resources and reduces costs, enhancing the overall efficiency of Unipol’s IT operations.
Initially, NAMI was trained on the IBM Cloud to maximize resource flexibility. However, it was later migrated to on-premises infrastructure to ensure data security and governance. This strategic decision allows Unipol to maintain high-performance levels while preserving agile development and strict control over sensitive data within its data centers.
The impact of these initiatives has been profound. Unipol Assicurazioni’s IT operations have witnessed a remarkable increase in efficiency, with incident handling time reduced by an impressive 90%. This reduction allows technical teams to analyze data more quickly and effectively, leading to improved service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Mario Bocca, CIO of Unipol, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s success, stating, "This collaboration with IBM marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a modern and scalable IT infrastructure. Our hybrid infrastructure, empowered by NAMI, will eventually enable us to create an AI ecosystem that benefits not only IT operations but also the entire company."
Nico Losito, Vice President of IBM Technology Italy, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration. "Unipol’s journey of growth and modernization has effectively leveraged a hybrid cloud-by-design approach, incorporating AI-powered automation. IBM remains committed to working with Unipol to enhance and expand NAMI’s functionalities, paving the way for continued innovation. This milestone highlights how advanced hybrid cloud infrastructure can provide a competitive edge in the Italian market."
Understanding IBM and Unipol’s Role
IBM stands as a global leader in providing hybrid cloud and AI solutions, alongside consulting expertise. With a presence in over 175 countries, IBM helps clients utilize data insights, streamline processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage. The company’s innovations in AI, quantum computing, and industry-specific cloud solutions offer flexible options backed by IBM’s commitment to trust and transparency.
Meanwhile, Unipol is a major player in the European insurance landscape, particularly dominant in Italy’s non-life insurance sector. The group operates across various sectors, including auto, health, and life insurance, with a total premium intake of €15.6 billion in 2024. Unipol’s comprehensive strategy includes real estate, hospitality, healthcare, and even the wine industry, showcasing its diversified business approach.
The Broader Implications
The collaboration between IBM and Unipol Assicurazioni is a testament to the transformative power of technology in the financial services sector. By adopting a hybrid cloud strategy and integrating AI capabilities, companies can drive significant improvements in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning.
For organizations considering similar transformations, the IBM-Unipol partnership offers valuable insights. The successful integration of advanced mainframe technologies, AI solutions, and cloud platforms demonstrates the potential of hybrid strategies to deliver tangible business benefits. Furthermore, the emphasis on data security and governance underscores the importance of maintaining control over sensitive information, a critical consideration in today’s digital landscape.
In conclusion, IBM and Unipol Assicurazioni’s renewed collaboration is a beacon for the insurance industry, illustrating how strategic partnerships and technological innovation can fuel growth and modernization. As companies navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the lessons from this collaboration offer a roadmap for achieving operational excellence and sustained competitive advantage.
For more information, visit IBM’s official website.
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