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IBM and Google Cloud Announce Strategic Partnership to Scale AI with Human Expertise and AI‑Powered Delivery

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Expands IBM Consulting Advantage, an AI‑powered delivery platform, with industry‑specific agents for Gemini EnterpriseNew global Google Cloud practice brings thousands of IBM consultants to help clients scale AI, and modernize core systems The practice represents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity in Google Cloud Services 

ARMONK, N.Y. and SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Google Cloud today announced the launch of a new Google Cloud Practice, designed to help organizations more quickly scale AI into production and modernize core systems. The new practice combines IBM’s deep industry expertise and IBM Consulting Advantage – the company’s AI-powered platform that helps IBM teams design, build and deploy AI solutions faster using agents and industry workflows – now with Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, cybersecurity and data capabilities.

With thousands of Google Cloud-certified IBM consultants and forward-deployed engineers, the practice will help enterprises deploy AI solutions, modernize legacy environments, and manage technology across complex hybrid landscapes. This represents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for IBM and Google Cloud, with each bringing unique strengths that matter to clients.

IBM is creating a portfolio of industry‑specific AI agents built on IBM Consulting Advantage and optimized for Gemini Enterprise. These agents support use cases for banking, government, retail, telecommunications, energy, security, insurance, and life sciences, helping organizations automate workflows, improve decision-making, and accelerate autonomous operations powered by Gemini models.

With the new partnership, IBM consultants can now design, build, and govern enterprise‑grade AI agents directly on Google Cloud. Pre‑built assets, reusable agents, and proven transformation methods from IBM can be combined with Google Cloud’s agent runtime, governance controls, and enterprise safety features, helping organizations move from design to deployment with enhanced speed and consistency.

IBM and Google Cloud have already partnered on major migration and modernization efforts, including work with Airbus, where IBM consultants and Google Cloud helped transition two aerospace businesses into fully independent operations in under 18 months by updating more than 100 critical systems across engineering, manufacturing, customer service, and other regulated functions.

“Enterprises are facing one of the most complex modernization cycles in decades,” said Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President and Head of IBM Consulting. “By expanding our work with Google Cloud, we’re giving clients a clearer and more reliable path to scale AI across their business, combining deep industry expertise, hybrid‑cloud modernization, and an AI‑first delivery platform.”

“This partnership significantly expands the pool of expert Google Cloud consultants in the market to meet surging demand for AI,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem at Google Cloud. “By combining Google’s agentic infrastructure with IBM’s deep industry expertise and proven delivery frameworks, we are ensuring joint customers can move beyond pilots to deploy and govern production-grade AI agents across their entire cloud environment.”

IBM Consulting will help develop common interface patterns and solutions that connect enterprise data into Gemini using an open and flexible approach by integrating technology from IBM and its ecosystem. These interfaces can be tailored for each client’s architecture, helping organizations unify their data while more easily scaling Gemini‑based AI capabilities. 

The practice focuses on several priority areas:

Production-ready AI and data: Helping clients build foundations that support real, skilled AI systems, rather than pilots, by combining IBM’s industry knowledge and AI assets with Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform and BigQuery.Industry‑specific solutions: Delivering AI and data capabilities for sectors such as aerospace, financial services, government, healthcare, and telecommunications. This includes Confluent to stream and govern real‑time data so AI systems can optimize operations, anticipate risk, and deliver outcomes tailored to each industry’s regulatory demands.Modernizing cybersecurity operations: Providing AI‑driven defense and security capabilities intended to strengthen readiness and accelerate response.Hybrid cloud modernization: Updating critical workloads across on‑premises and cloud environments, including for highly regulated industries. Red Hat OpenShift is now available directly in the Google Cloud Console.Enhanced AI‑powered workflows: Integrating Gemini with watsonx Orchestrate to improve decision automation and agent intelligence, and into watsonx.data to give clients more flexible ways to generate insights to support smarter applications.Operational resilience and governance: Using IBM automation, supported by HashiCorp and Apptio, with Google Cloud AI to support improved monitoring, compliance, and performance.

Statements regarding IBM’s and Google Cloud’s future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers a powerful, optimized AI stack — including AI infrastructure, leading models like Gemini, data management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, developer tools and platform, as well as agents and applications — that enables organizations to transform their business for the Agentic Era. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

Media Contacts
Elizabeth Brophy
IBM
elizabeth.brophy@ibm.com

Josh Gunter
Google Cloud
jmgunter@google.com

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SOURCE IBM

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To Go Fast and Far: Why Africa’s Businesses Are Rebuilding Technology in 2026

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is exactly why Junkies Coder an Africa-based software engineering company has launched its Agentic AI & Enterprise Modernisation practice, a dedicated unit built to help African enterprises deploy AI agents reliably by first modernising the legacy systems, cloud infrastructure, and delivery pipelines those agents depend on.

There is an old African saying: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’

For decades, Africa’s largest banks, telecom companies, and retailers were forced to choose between speed and scale. In 2026, enterprises realize they need both and the way they build technology is changing because of it.

The pressure is measurable. South Africa’s largest banks increased IT spending by up to 32% in 2025 as they accelerated core system modernization and AI adoption.

Yet many still struggle with legacy platforms that cannot keep pace with modern customer expectations: instant onboarding, real-time payments, and seamless mobile experiences.

Meanwhile, fintech companies and challenger banks are gaining ground. They are not necessarily bigger, but they run on cloud-native, modular platforms that launch new products in weeks instead of years.

This is the defining challenge for African enterprises in 2026: the foundations are finally available for hyperscale data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town and billions committed to cloud but the ability to execute remains the real gap.

Two forces are slowing modernization:

Digital talent shortage. South Africa continues to face shortages in critical digital and engineering skills, amplified by migration. Across Africa, nine in ten organizations report significant impact from a lack of AI skills.Compliance complexity. Regulations such as POPIA are raising accountability. Data residency alone does not guarantee compliance businesses remain responsible for how applications are built, managed, and secured.

The result is clear: African enterprises have the capital and urgency to modernise, but lack the talent, approach, and execution framework to transform safely.

This is precisely the gap Junkies Coder South Africa closes. Instead of choosing between a costly internal team and a slow, oversized integrator, the company partners as a co-founding-style technology team bringing founder empathy, MVP-first delivery, and one integrated discipline across architecture, cloud, DevOps, and compliance. The company helps enterprises modernise in the right sequence: fixing high-impact workflows first, shipping continuously, and designing data residency and privacy from day one.

For Africa’s brands, the lesson of 2026 is clear. Modernisation will not wait for the talent market to heal. The enterprises that win this decade will find a partner that lets them go fast and far — together.

Junkies Coder is an AI-driven enterprise software and mobile app development company in South Africa partnering with Africa’s founders and giants to modernise architecture, build modern DevOps pipelines, and engineer compliance by design.

Website – https://www.junkiescoder.com/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2996900/Junkies_Coder.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/to-go-fast-and-far-why-africas-businesses-are-rebuilding-technology-in-2026-302799545.html

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Building the AI-First Gulf: How GCC Enterprises Are Entering the Next Digital Era

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DUBAI, UAE, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is why Junkies Coder UAE-based Company has launched its Agentic AI & Enterprise Modernisation practice — built to help GCC enterprises deploy AI agents reliably by first modernising the legacy systems, cloud, and pipelines those agents depend on.

The Gulf has decisively won the AI adoption race.

AI adoption across the GCC jumped from 62% to 84% between 2023 and 2025. The UAE now reports 97% adoption across government sectors, while Saudi Arabia has committed $14.9 billion to AI infrastructure in a single policy cycle.

The UAE has become the first economy in the world to surpass 70% AI adoption among its working-age population and aims to embed agentic AI into 50% of government services within two years.

Backed by Vision 2030 and the UAE AI Strategy 2031, ambition and investment are no longer the constraint.

Execution is.

Roland Berger research found that fewer than one in three GCC organisations have the operating model and governance required to scale AI effectively. Meanwhile, many AI agent pilots fail to reach production or deliver measurable business value.

The conversation has shifted from generative AI experimentation to agentic AI deployment. However, the gap between enterprise AI ambition and production-grade integration has never been wider.

The reason is structural.

Deloitte’s 2026 State of AI report highlights that the Middle East’s next AI phase will depend less on experimentation and more on scaling responsibly, modernising infrastructure, redesigning workflows, and creating governance frameworks for autonomous systems.

AI ambitions now collide with legacy architecture, fragmented data environments, and sovereignty obligations.

Saudi Arabia’s SDAIA data residency framework is becoming a regulatory baseline. UAE AI governance requirements are advancing, and ISO/IEC 42001 is increasingly influencing enterprise procurement decisions.

The organisations making real progress are not always those with the largest budgets, but those treating governance as architecture embedded into every workflow from the beginning.

Bridging the gap between AI strategy and production requires more than selecting a model.

It requires AI-driven mobile app development company in UAE to connected to real business processes, cloud and legacy modernisation, sovereign-ready data architecture, and governance designed into systems from day one.

The enterprises scaling fastest are partnering with specialist teams that manage this journey end to end transforming agentic AI ambition into secure, compliant, and measurable outcomes.

For GCC businesses, the mandate is clear:

The AI-first Gulf will not be built by those who adopt the most, but by those who integrate the best.

Junkies Coder UAE helps GCC enterprises close the gap between AI ambition and real-world implementation through agentic AI, enterprise AI integration, cloud modernisation, mobile app development and sovereign-ready systems designed to move from pilot to production.

Website – https://www.junkiescoder.com/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2996900/Junkies_Coder.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/building-the-ai-first-gulf-how-gcc-enterprises-are-entering-the-next-digital-era-302799546.html

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Huawei Cloud Becomes Thailand’s First with Government-Recognized HCCDX Certification Program

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BANGKOK, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei Cloud Thailand has officially received a recognition for its HUAWEI CLOUD Developer Certification (HCCDX) from Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), marking a major milestone in advancing Thailand’s digital workforce development.

Huawei Cloud is the first cloud vendor in Thailand to achieve this government-recognized certification status, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing high-quality digital talent and supporting the country’s digital transformation journey.

Under this recognition, individuals who successfully pass selected HCCDX certification exams — including HCCDA-Tech Essentials, HCCDA-AI, HCCDA-Big Data and HCCDP-Solution Architect — will be eligible to obtain a professional qualification certificate recognized by TPQI. The initiative helps bridge industry demand and workforce readiness by equipping professionals with globally aligned cloud and AI competencies that are officially endorsed by the Thai government.

The HUAWEI CLOUD Developer Certification (HCCDX) is a comprehensive certification framework designed to strengthen cloud application design, deployment, operation, and maintenance capabilities. The program enables developers and IT professionals to build practical expertise using HUAWEI CLOUD services and tools, empowering them to accelerate career growth in the digital era.

“Huawei Cloud is committed to supporting Thailand’s digital economy by developing future-ready digital talent and creating greater access to internationally recognized certifications. We are proud to become the first cloud vendor in Thailand whose certification program is officially recognized by the government through TPQI. This milestone reflects our long-term commitment to empowering developers, students, and professionals with practical cloud, AI, and big data skills that align with industry needs,” Celine Cao, CEO of Huawei Cloud Thailand, said.

The HCCDX certification program delivers multiple benefits to professionals and organizations alike. Beyond strengthening technical knowledge, the certifications validate practical competencies required in today’s workforce and help professionals enhance career opportunities, increase income potential, and gain greater credibility among employers. The certifications also provide flexible and recognized proof of competence that can support career advancement across industries.

For employers, the program serves as a trusted benchmark for evaluating digital capabilities and identifying qualified talent in cloud computing, AI, and data technologies. The initiative further supports Thailand’s national objective to strengthen its digital workforce and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth.

The HCCDX framework consists of multiple certification levels, including HCCDA – Huawei Certified Cloud Developer Associate, HCCDP – Huawei Certified Cloud Developer Professional, and HCCDE – Huawei Certified Cloud Developer Expert.

Currently, Huawei Cloud offers more than 14 certification programs across cloud, AI, big data, and other related technology domains.

To encourage broader participation and accelerate digital talent development in Thailand, Huawei Cloud Thailand is offering a special promotion with free examination fees until 30 June 2026. After the promotional period, examination fees will be USD 100 for HCCDA certifications and USD 150 for HCCDP certifications.

Huawei Cloud Thailand continues to collaborate with ecosystem partners, educational institutions, and public sector organizations to expand digital skills development opportunities and cultivate a stronger talent pipeline for Thailand’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

Free of Charge! For those who are interested can access the course to enhance their knowledge in Cloud and AI through Huawei certification as developers with eLearning on the website below.

https://edu.huaweicloud.com/intl/en-us/certificationindex/developercertificationindex.html

# # #

About Huawei Cloud Thailand

Huawei Cloud Thailand is a leading cloud service provider committed to accelerating Thailand’s digital transformation under the mission of “In Thailand, For Thailand.” According to the latest report from Gartner, Huawei Cloud is ranked No.2 by revenue in Thailand’s Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) market, solidifying its position as one of the most trusted and fastest-growing international cloud providers in the country.

As the first international public cloud vendor to establish local data centers in Thailand, Huawei Cloud now operates three Availability Zones, ensuring high reliability and low-latency connectivity for local users. Leveraging Huawei’s 30-plus years of expertise in ICT infrastructure, it integrates cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud-Native 2.0, and Big Data technologies to empower over 40 government agencies and thousands of enterprises across the Kingdom. By building a robust digital ecosystem and fostering local talent, Huawei Cloud aims to drive Thailand’s “Digital Economy” forward, bringing cloud and intelligence to every corner of the country for a fully connected, intelligent future.

For more information, please visit Huawei Cloud Thailand online at

https://www.huaweicloud.com/intl/th-th/ or follow us on:

https://www.facebook.com/HuaweiCloudTH

https://www.youtube.com/@HuaweiCloudAPAC

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SOURCE Huawei Cloud Thailand

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