IBM has announced the general availability of watsonx.data, a hybrid and open data platform that marks a milestone in information management and analysis for businesses. This launch is part of IBM’s broader strategy with watsonx, its next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, introduced in May 2023 during the IBM Think event. The platform is designed to optimize data access, reduce costs, and enhance the development of AI and machine learning (ML) models.
What is watsonx.data and why is it important?
Watsonx.data is a hybrid data lakehouse that combines the best of both worlds: the flexibility and low cost of a data lake with the performance and fast querying capabilities of a traditional data warehouse. This architecture allows businesses to manage and analyze large volumes of information in on-premises, cloud, or hybrid configurations, making it a versatile and scalable solution.
The platform is built on an open architecture that supports the Apache Iceberg format, facilitating SQL access to large datasets, compatibility with multiple query engines, and support for ACID transactions (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability). Additionally, it features a persistent global cache that enhances performance by allowing all query engines to access the same cache, regardless of their location.
Key features of watsonx.data
- Cost reduction: IBM claims that businesses can reduce costs associated with data storage and analysis by up to 50%. This is achieved through the optimization of workloads and the use of specific query engines such as Presto, Spark, and Presto C++.
- Flexibility and scalability: The platform is compatible with multiple environments, including public clouds, on-premises installations, and hybrid configurations. This allows businesses to tailor solutions to their specific needs without compromising performance.
- AI enhancement: Watsonx.data includes an integrated vector database, ideal for advanced use cases such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), improving data quality and AI model outcomes.
- Rapid deployment: With Red Hat OpenShift, businesses can deploy watsonx.data in under 10 minutes, whether in the cloud or on-premises. This facilitates the migration and scaling of applications.
- Governance and transparency: The platform integrates with the watsonx.governance toolkit, designed to ensure the explainability and validity of results generated by AI models. Although explainability functionality will be available later this year, IBM is already laying the groundwork for ethical and reliable technology use.
Use cases and testimonials
Several companies have already begun exploring the capabilities of watsonx.data. Martin Kovář, product manager at Cogniware, highlighted that the platform has been a “turning point” in their ability to provide self-service analytics software to non-technical users. Meanwhile, Ashish Baghel, CEO of NuoData, described the platform as “fascinating” for its open approach and compatibility with multiple query engines.
Chris Cochran, Vice President of Alliances at WANdisco, also emphasized how easily watsonx.data enables clients to access their data, whether on-premises or in the cloud, for quick insights. Additionally, Katsuyuki Kajiwara, Technical Sales Director at NI+C, noted the platform’s user-friendliness and its relevance for clients who require on-premises solutions due to data confidentiality concerns.
Why choose watsonx.data?
In a world where data is the most valuable asset, watsonx.data positions itself as a comprehensive solution for companies looking to reduce costs, improve data quality, and accelerate AI project implementation. Backed by IBM’s expertise and innovation, this platform represents a significant step forward in the evolution of enterprise data management.
Conclusion
Watsonx.data is not just another tool for managing data; it’s a complete solution that combines flexibility, performance, and scalability to help businesses make the most of their information. If your organization is looking to optimize its analysis processes, reduce costs, and accelerate AI project implementation, this platform is a choice worth considering.
For more information, visit ibm.com/watsonx.