IBM Think 2025 wasn’t just a showcase — it was a signal. The company is aligning its portfolio for the AI-first era. For CIOs, IBM’s message is clear: The future of enterprise IT is hybrid, intelligent, and orchestrated — and IBM wants to lead the way.

OK, so what did we really think?

  • AI and hybrid cloud take center stage. IBM reinforced its commitment to hybrid cloud and AI, highlighting the synergy between the two. IBM positioned watsonx Orchestrate as the centerpiece for deploying AI agents and automations. IBM also emphasized small language models such as Granite and AI at the edge — areas where it can differentiate from foundation model builders and hyperscalers. Any company wishing to differentiate itself through AI must put its proprietary knowledge to work, including through small language models.
  • Composability and API-driven integration shift the conversation to platforms. IBM is shifting from siloed tools to composable, API-first platforms. This enables enterprises to orchestrate AI agents and workflows more efficiently. The keynote emphasized integration across IBM’s portfolio, reducing reliance on bespoke consulting and enabling more scalable, repeatable solutions. In the quest for flexibility and technology leverage, composable applications scale when firms invest in service mesh technology.
  • Mainframes are reinvented for the AI era. IBM’s zSystems remains vital for high-volume transaction processing. The z17 platform introduces AI inferencing capabilities, but IBM must better communicate its value to new customers. Forrester suggests exploring a more consumable, composable mainframe experience to attract modern workloads.
  • Watsonx.data sets the course for the future of enterprise data. IBM’s watsonx.data platform is evolving into a hybrid, open data lakehouse with data fabric capabilities. This supports unified access, governance, and AI readiness across hybrid and multicloud environments — critical for scaling AI initiatives. In particular, this approach lays the groundwork for the knowledge infrastructure that firms need to reach AI success.
  • Security and consulting lie on the road ahead. While IBM made strides in AI and hybrid cloud, AI security was underemphasized. Consulting practices remain uneven, with strong performance in SAP and a significant payoff from AI-powered delivery through IBM Consulting Advantage but weaker alignment between consulting and products elsewhere. IBM’s challenge is to unify its services and better communicate the value of its acquisitions.

Our Advice To Technology Leaders

This advice is triggered by what we heard at IBM Think 2025, but it applies to every technology and service provider. CIOs and technology leaders should:

  • Prioritize hybrid cloud strategies that support AI workloads both on-premises and at the edge. Evaluate how small language models can reduce costs and improve efficiency in your AI deployments.
  • Use this moment to reassess enterprise architecture. Align the roadmap with partners that offer integrated, AI-ready platforms and can support your journey from experimentation to scaled deployments.
  • Explore how AI-enabled mainframes can improve performance and reduce costs. For others, assess whether a composable mainframe model could fit emerging needs.
  • Demand clarity from every product provider on AI security and integration strategies. When engaging consulting, ensure that it offers consistent expertise across platforms and can articulate how its assets deliver measurable outcomes.
  • Begin evaluating IT strategy through the lens of AI-first transformation. Look for vendors that offer not just tools but a cohesive ecosystem that supports integration, governance, and scalability.