IBM, the prominent US technology giant, has made yet another strategic move in the field of data and artificial intelligence (AI) by announcing the acquisition of Manta Software. While the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, this acquisition is poised to enhance IBM’s capabilities in data governance and AI. Manta Software, a data lineage platform founded in 2016 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, offers enterprises greater visibility into their data, a critical need in today’s complex data landscape.
Addressing the complexity of data in the AI era
As data becomes increasingly complex, and AI integration becomes a cornerstone of business operations, the quality and explainability of data have become paramount concerns for organizations. IBM’s 2023 CEO research has revealed that concerns related to the origin or lineage of data represent a significant obstacle to the widespread adoption of generative AI. With Manta Software’s platform, businesses gain access to a detailed map of data flows, transformations, dependencies, and sources, offering a comprehensive view of their data ecosystem.
Synergy with IBM’s WatsonX suite
IBM anticipates that the acquisition of Manta Software will seamlessly complement its existing suite of AI and data governance tools, known as WatsonX. This suite includes WatsonX.AI, WatsonX.Data, and WatsonX.Governance. By integrating Manta’s data lineage capabilities into WatsonX, IBM aims to enhance transparency within the platform. Businesses can use this information to ensure that the correct data is being utilized for their AI models and systems. This includes understanding the data’s origin, evolution, and identifying any discrepancies in data flows, all of which are critical for building trust in AI-driven decision-making processes.
Clientele and partnerships
Manta Software has built a strong reputation in the industry, counting major companies like BMO, T-Mobile, JB Hunt, and SCP Health among its clients. Its platform has helped these organizations navigate the complexities of their data ecosystems, ultimately improving data governance and decision-making.
It’s worth noting that this acquisition builds upon an existing partnership between IBM and Manta Software, established in June 2022. This partnership appears to have paved the way for a deeper integration of Manta’s capabilities into IBM’s ecosystem.
Strengthening IBM’s position in AI and hybrid cloud
This acquisition marks the eighth of its kind for IBM in 2023, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its strengths in AI and hybrid cloud technologies. Under the leadership of CEO Arvind Krishna, who assumed the role in April 2020, IBM has steadily increased its investment in cutting-edge technologies.
IBM’s strategic acquisitions align with its vision to empower businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of data and AI. Manta Software’s expertise in data lineage is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving this vision.
Data transparency for risk mitigation
One of the key benefits that Manta Software brings to IBM is enhanced data transparency. By providing an audit trail, Manta’s platform enables businesses to track the journey of their data. This capability is particularly crucial in an era where data breaches and regulatory compliance are top concerns. Through this acquisition, IBM aims to help businesses discover and anonymize sensitive data, reducing the risk of data exposure and regulatory violations.
IBM’s acquisition of Manta Software underscores the company’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by complex data and the integration of AI into business operations. With Manta’s data lineage capabilities integrated into IBM’s WatsonX suite, businesses can expect improved transparency, better data governance, and enhanced risk mitigation. This move not only strengthens IBM’s position in the AI and hybrid cloud market but also reinforces its dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for data management and AI-driven decision-making. As businesses continue to grapple with the complexities of data in the AI era, IBM’s acquisition of Manta Software stands as a significant step toward simplifying these challenges and unlocking the true potential of data-driven insights.
