IBM, Lenovo Strengthen Tech Collaboration in Saudi Arabia

IBM and Lenovo Collaborate to Enhance AI Solutions in Saudi Arabia

Date: February 10, 2025

Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In an exciting development at the forefront of technological advancement, IBM and Lenovo have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership, focused on delivering advanced generative AI solutions tailored for clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This announcement was made at the prestigious LEAP 2025 conference, marking a pivotal moment in the global tech landscape.

The Growing Importance of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a cornerstone of modern technological innovation. According to IDC, annual global spending on AI-centric systems is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2026. This surge is indicative of the increasing integration of AI technologies across various sectors. In Saudi Arabia, AI adoption is gaining momentum as organizations explore and invest in generative AI applications to transition into an ‘AI everywhere’ era.

Strategic Partnership: A 20-Year Legacy

Building on a partnership that spans two decades, IBM and Lenovo are set to deliver AI solutions leveraging IBM’s watsonx portfolio and Lenovo’s robust infrastructure. A key component of these solutions is the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority’s (SDAIA) open-source Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM). This model, integrated with Lenovo’s infrastructure, aims to empower both government and business clients to accelerate AI utilization for enhanced public services and informed decision-making in areas such as:

• Fraud detection
• Public safety
• Customer service
• Code modernization
• IT operations
  

  Ayman AlRashed and Giovanni Di Filippo at LEAP 2025
  

  The collaboration was highlighted by key figures: Ayman AlRashed, Regional Vice President of IBM Saudi Arabia, and Giovanni Di Filippo, President of EMEA for Lenovo. Together, they shed light on how this partnership will benefit Saudi clients by offering tailored solutions for on-premises and cloud use.

  "Today’s announcement represents an important step in the longstanding relationship between IBM and Lenovo," said Giovanni Di Filippo. "We’re excited to deepen our partnership, merging IBM’s generative AI offerings with Lenovo’s infrastructure solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers in Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving market."

  Harnessing the Power of Generative AI
  

  Clients in Saudi Arabia currently have access to ALLaM through IBM’s watsonx platform. This allows organizations to utilize advanced AI capabilities to train, adjust, and deploy AI models efficiently. With Lenovo’s infrastructure supporting both on-premises and cloud applications, these solutions are designed to offer transparency, trust, and choice, empowering clients to harness the full potential of generative AI.

  "IBM and Lenovo have a rich history of joint innovation," noted Ayman AlRashed. "This new collaboration combines Lenovo’s infrastructure with IBM’s AI portfolio, which uses compact, efficient, open-source models tailored for specific use cases. Together, we aim to deliver even greater value to our clients in the Kingdom."

  IBM: A Leader in Hybrid Cloud and AI
  

  IBM has established itself as a leader in hybrid cloud and AI, offering consulting expertise to clients in over 175 countries. The company helps clients leverage data insights, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. With over 4,000 government and corporate clients in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare, IBM’s technologies drive digital transformation quickly and securely.

  Lenovo: A Global Technology Powerhouse
  

  Lenovo, a global technology leader with revenues of $57 billion, ranks #248 in the Fortune Global 500. Operating in 180 markets, Lenovo is committed to delivering smarter technology solutions. The company has built a comprehensive portfolio of AI-enabled devices, infrastructure, and software solutions, striving to create a more equitable and intelligent future.

  Conclusion
  

  The collaboration between IBM and Lenovo marks a significant advancement in AI technology deployment within Saudi Arabia. By integrating IBM’s AI expertise with Lenovo’s infrastructure capabilities, this partnership promises to provide innovative solutions that address specific regional needs. As organizations worldwide continue to embrace AI, this collaboration sets a precedent for future technological advancements.

  For more information about IBM and Lenovo’s initiatives, visit their official websites.

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