Lumen Technologies and IBM have announced a collaboration to develop AI solutions at the edge, integrating IBM's watsonx AI products with Lumen's Edge Cloud infrastructure. This partnership aims to provide real-time AI inferencing closer to data sources, addressing cost, latency, and security challenges in scaling AI adoption.

Ryan Asdourian, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Lumen, emphasized the need for businesses to scale AI efficiently: "Enterprise leaders don't just want to explore AI, they need to scale it quickly, cost effectively and securely." He highlighted how combining IBM's innovation with Lumen's network can enhance customer experiences by enabling real-time intelligence.

Lumen's infrastructure offers low latency and direct connectivity to major cloud providers. When combined with IBM watsonx technology, this setup is expected to facilitate real-time AI processing while mitigating public cloud dependence costs. Adam Lawrence from IBM noted their commitment to bringing enterprise-grade AI wherever data resides: "Together, we're helping clients accelerate their AI journeys with greater speed, flexibility and security."

IBM Consulting will support clients in deploying these technologies effectively. The collaboration will focus on industries like manufacturing, retail, logistics, and financial services. A notable example includes enhancing a retailer's customer service through AI-driven tools for improved interactions.

Asdourian added that the partnership aims to redefine possibilities with edge-based AI: "We're pursuing solutions that will give enterprises the ability to bring AI to their data...while maintaining control."