Telefónica Tech, the enterprise-focused division of Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica, has joined forces with International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions among businesses in Spain. This strategic partnership signifies a collaborative effort to empower Spanish companies with advanced AI technologies, aiming to enhance their digital transformation journeys.

The initial phase of the collaboration centers on developing a comprehensive AI management platform specifically designed for the Spanish market. This platform, named SHARK.X, leverages IBM’s existing Watson AI and data platform as its foundation. SHARK.X is envisioned to provide a user-friendly and secure environment for businesses to build, develop, and deploy AI applications across various functions.

Telefónica Tech and IBM will offer a suite of services alongside SHARK.X to support companies throughout their AI implementation process. These services include expert consultancy to identify and prioritize use cases for AI integration, proof-of-concept demonstrations to showcase the potential benefits of AI adoption, and training programs to equip employees with the necessary skills to utilize these new technologies effectively.

The Telefónica-IBM partnership aligns with the broader trend of digital transformation sweeping across industries. As businesses strive to automate processes, gain deeper insights from data, and personalize customer experiences, AI has emerged as a powerful tool. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI solutions and Spanish enterprises, potentially unlocking new avenues for business growth and innovation.

While the partnership’s initial focus is on the Spanish market, it holds the potential for future expansion. The success of SHARK.X and the broader collaboration could pave the way for Telefónica and IBM to replicate this model in other regions, bringing the transformative power of AI to a wider range of businesses across the globe.

The coming months will be crucial in gauging the effectiveness of this partnership. The adoption rate of SHARK.X and the impact of AI implementations on Spanish enterprises will be key metrics to monitor. If successful, this collaboration could serve as a blueprint for future industry partnerships that accelerate responsible and impactful AI adoption within the business landscape.