IBM to Open Source AI Models and Collaborate with Saudi Arabia on Arabic AI System

International Business Machines (IBM), a renowned multinational technology corporation, has announced an initiative to open source a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) models, providing broader access to this advanced technology. Looking to foster innovation and development, IBM is opting for an open-source approach, sharing their 'Granite' family of AI models which developers can use and customize to enhance their software coding processes. This move contrasts with some of IBM's competitors who keep their AI models proprietary.

Granite AI Models Go Open Source

By releasing their AI models as open-source software, IBM aims to support developers globally and accelerate the integration of AI into various applications. The 'Granite' tools are specifically designed to assist software developers in speeding up their coding work. To monetize on this initiative, IBM offers the Watsonx tool—a premium service that ensures the smooth operation of these AI models within data centers post-customization.

IBM's Monetization Strategy

IBM's monetization strategy involves earning revenue when customers find practical use for AI models, regardless of the model's origin or the data center where they are run. This customer-centric approach indicates IBM's focus on value creation through utility and performance of AI applications, signaling a departure from more traditional strategies of direct AI model sales or access fees.

AI Collaboration with Saudi Arabia

Additionally, IBM has embarked on a significant project with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority to train an AI system capable of understanding Arabic, including its variant dialects. The 'ALLaM' Arabic language model will be trained using Watsonx, expanding IBM's language comprehension capabilities and reinforcing its position as a global AI influencer. This collaborative effort aims to yield an AI system well-versed in Arabic, contributing to technological growth and language-based AI applications in the region.

IBM's Outlook on AI and Competition

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna highlighted the importance of competition in the AI sector as beneficial to consumers, while also emphasizing the need for safe and responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. IBM believes they are at the forefront of the evolving generative AI models space, where creativity and innovation are bound to thrive under open access policies and collaborative efforts like those with Saudi Arabia.

IBM, open-source, AI