IBM has deepened its partnership with Datavault AI to power Available Infrastructure’s SanQtum AI platform across a secured multi-city network in New York and Philadelphia. Leveraging IBM’s watsonx portfolio within a zero-trust architecture, this deployment comprises synchronized micro edge data centers designed for real-time data tokenization, security and monetization. The initiative aims to process in excess of 10 petabytes of transactional and sensor data monthly, reducing latency by up to 60% for financial services and healthcare clients in the region and opening new revenue streams through instant data licensing and analytics services.

A joint study by IBM Consulting and the National Retail Federation surveyed more than 18,000 consumers across 23 countries and 200 industry executives, finding that 45% of shoppers now rely on AI tools when researching products, with 41% using AI to compare features and 33% to interpret reviews. While 72% still visit physical stores, generative AI is reshaping early decision-making: one in three consumers seeks integrated “super apps” for commerce and services, and 30% expect smart-home personal shopping assistants. However, 54% of retail executives cite persistent data alignment challenges, underscoring IBM’s recommendation to prioritize end-to-end data readiness and continuous solution testing.

In 2025, IBM’s AI book of business nearly doubled from $5.0 billion at the end of 2024 to $9.5 billion by Q3, led by consulting engagements and its watsonx platform. The company raised its full-year constant-currency revenue growth outlook to above 5% and targeted $14 billion in free cash flow. On the quantum front, IBM executed a roadmap projecting a hybrid quantum-classical compute milestone by year-end 2026 and the availability of a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. These advances propelled IBM shares up 34.7% during the year, outperforming the broader market and positioning the company for sustained enterprise AI and quantum leadership.