GE launches digital unit to boost software and analytics business

New York

GENERAL Electric (GE) launched a digital division on Monday that it hopes will propel the US industrial conglomerate into the top ranks of the software industry.

As the company sheds financial assets to focus on its core industrial businesses, from making aircraft engines and home appliances to equipment for power grids, GE said it was "building the playbook for the new digital industrial world". The new GE Digital, harnessing all of its digital capabilities, will be led by chief digital officer Bill Ruh, GE's software chief.