IBM dedicates new group for Watson

LAST week, IBM signed a high profile deal with DBS to deploy its Watson cognitive computing solution in the bank. Simultaneously the company also announced in the US that it will establish the IBM Watson Group, a new business unit dedicated to commercialising the cognitive computing system.

Speaking to BizIT, Bridget van Kralingen, senior vice-president of IBM global business services, said the company will invest more than US$1 billion into the Watson Group, focusing on development and research and bringing cloud-delivered cognitive applications and services to the market. This will include US$100 million available for venture investments to support IBM's recently launched ecosystem of start-ups and businesses that are building a new class of cognitive apps powered by Watson, in the IBM Watson Developers Cloud.

Ms Kralingen noted that as of now the cognitive computer system, which shot to fame by winning US$1 million in a Jeopardy match against two former human champions, has two main areas of specialisation: one is Watson Medical and the other is Watson Engagement Adviser. In the medical field, IBM experts have worked with medical researchers in the US in using Watson in the area of cancer research and medication. This includes collaborations with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, WellPoint; the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre; and Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.