Nearly three years after its triumph on the television quiz show Jeopardy!, IBM has advanced Watson from a game playing innovation into a commercial technology. Now delivered from the cloud and able to power new consumer and enterprise services and apps, Watson is 24 times faster, smarter with a 2,400 percent improvement in performance, and 90 percent smaller – IBM has shrunk Watson from the size of a master bedroom to three stacked pizza boxes.
Named after IBM founder Thomas J. Watson, IBM Watson was developed in IBM’s Research labs. Using natural language processing and analytics, Watson processes information akin to how people think, representing a major shift in an organization’s ability to quickly analyze, understand and respond to Big Data. Watson’s ability to answer complex questions posed in natural language with speed, accuracy and confidence is transforming decision making across a variety of industries.
In January, 2014 IBM announced the establishment of a new Watson business unit dedicated to the development and commercialization of cognitive computing innovations: The IBM Watson Group. IBM will invest more than $1 billion into the Watson Group, a cross-company unit focusing on development and research and bringing cognitive applications and services to market. This will include $100 million available for venture investments to support IBM’s recently launched Watson Developer Cloud, opening up the Watson platform to third party software application providers that aim to build a new class of cognitive apps powered by Watson.
The Watson Group, which will be headquartered 51 Astor Place in New York City’s “Silicon Alley” technology hub, will leverage the talents of approximately 2,000 professionals, whose goal is to design, develop and accelerate the adoption of Watson technologies to transform industries and professions. For entrepreneurs and start-ups, the Watson Group's headquarters will provide a business incubator offering the technology, tools and talent to create and launch new products and businesses based on Watson's cloud-delivered cognitive intelligence.
Also announced in January, 2014, the IBM Watson Group introduced three new cloud-delivered services:
- IBM Watson Discovery Advisor aims to revolutionize how industries such as pharmaceutical and publishing conduct research. Representing a giant leap from existing research tools that churn out thousands of search results their users must wade through, the Watson Discovery Advisor will delve into the influx of data-driven content today’s researchers face, and uncover connections that can speed up and strengthen their work.
- IBM Watson Analytics allows users to explore Big Data insights through visual representations; without the need for advanced analytics training. The service removes common impediments in the data discovery process, enabling business users to quickly and independently uncover new insights in their data. Guided by sophisticated analytics and a natural language interface, Watson Analytics automatically prepares the data, surfaces the most important relationships and presents the results in an easy to interpret interactive visual format.
- IBM Watson Explorer is designed to help users across the enterprise uncover and share data-driven insights more easily, while helping organizations launch big data initiatives more quickly. Watson Explorer provides users with a unified view displaying all of their data-driven information, as well as a framework for developing information-rich applications that deliver a comprehensive, contextually-relevant view of any topic for users ranging form business users to data scientists.
All three of these new Watson services are fueled by IBM Watson Foundations, a comprehensive, integrated set of Big Data and analytics capabilities that enable clients to find and capitalize on actionable insights.
In November 2013, IBM announced it would make Watson available as a development platform in the cloud, enabling software application providers to build a new generation of apps infused with cognitive computing intelligence. This includes the Watson Developers Cloud: a cloud-hosted marketplace where application providers can tap into resources for developing Watson-powered apps, including Watson's API. Three business partners plan to go to market in 2014 with Watson apps: from Fluid to transform how consumers shop, from MD Buyline to help hospitals procure devices, and from Welltok to enable health plans to engage their members. Currently more than 760 applicants have shared their ideas for creating cognitive apps that redefine how businesses and consumers make decisions.
In May 2013, IBM unveiled the Watson Engagement Advisor, a commercial breakthrough that helps businesses deepen and redefine engagement with customers. IBM is now working with top brands who are exploring how Watson can help them engage customers, including DBS Bank and Nielsen.
IBM has partnered with a range of healthcare organizations to transform how medicine is practiced, paid for and taught, via Watson-powered solutions. This includes collaborations with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, WellPoint, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.
IBM collaborated with eight universities to develop Watson’s capabilities. Over the past three years, IBM has introduced through its Academic Initiative a range of academic programs to prepare today's students to become tomorrow's cognitive computing leaders. This includes Watson-focused case competitions, Watson-inspired curriculum, faculty grants to fuel additional coursework, the Watson internship program and IBM’s donation of Watson technology to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
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IBM Senior Vice President Mike Rhodin demonstrates a Watson cloud service at IBM Research headquarters in Yorktown Heights, NY, announced on Thurs., January 9, 2014. Mr. Rhodin will lead the IBM Watson Group, a new IBM business unit headquartered in the heart of New York City's Silicon Alley that will develop products and collaborate with start-ups on cloud-based cognitive apps and services powered by Watson. The IBM Watson Group will focus on R&D and commercialization of software, services and apps that think, improve by learning and discover answers to complex questions by analyzing massive amounts of Big Data. IBM will invest more than $1 billion in the unit, including $100 million in venture investments to support an ecosystem of entrepreneurs developing Watson-powered apps. (Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service)
New York, NY/January 9, 2014/FPSnewswire -- IBM employees at the company's offices in New York City discuss next-generation Watson cloud apps that will be developed by the IBM Watson Group, a new IBM business unit headquartered in the heart of New York City's Silicon Alley, on Thurs., January 9, 2014. The Watson Group will develop products and collaborate with start-ups on cloud-based cognitive apps and services powered by Watson. The Watson Group will focus on R&D and commercialization of software, services and apps that think, improve by learning and discover answers to complex questions by analyzing massive amounts of Big Data. IBM will invest more than $1 billion in the unit, including $100 million in venture investments to support an ecosystem of entrepreneurs developing Watson-powered apps. (Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service)
Additional YouTube Videos on Watson:
MSK partners with IBM to Use Watson in the Fight Against Cancer.
The Watson Ecosystem Empowers Development of Apps
IBM Watson Inspires Millennials to Seek Cognitive Computing Career
Healthcare Industry Taps Into the Power of Watson
IBM & DBS Bank - Shaping The Future of Banking
Doctors are Addressing Big Data Challenges Using Watson
First Academic Case Competition Proposes Novel Ways to Put IBM Watson to Work
To view a flickr set on IBM Watson, click here
To view a Flickr set on IBM WatsonPaths Research Project, click here
To view the Infographics - IBM and MSK Advancing Cancer Care, click here.
To read the Smarter Planet blog post on "Learning Machines: Watson Could Bring Cancer Experitse to the Masses," click here.
To view the Flickr set - IBM Makes the Grade, click here.
To view the Watson Microsite: http://www.ibmwatson.com
To view the Watson Tumblr: http://ibmblr.tumblr.com/
Join the conversation at #IBMWATSON.
Livestream: http://www.livestream.com/ibmstglive
Smarter Planet Blogs:
IBM Watson Group: Technology to Transform Business and Society
Helping Doctors Research Deeper and Faster
Images
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Michael D. Rhodin
Date added: 09 Jan 2014
Michael D. Rhodin, Senior Vice President, IBM Watson Group
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IBM Forms New Watson Group to Meet Growing Demand for Cognitive Innovations
Date added: 09 Jan 2014
IBM Senior Vice President Mike Rhodin demonstrates a Watson cloud service at IBM Research headquarters in Yorktown Heights, NY, announced on Thurs., January 9, 2014. Mr. Rhodin will lead the IBM Watson Group, a new IBM business unit headquartered in the heart of New York City's Silicon Alley that will develop products and collaborate with start-ups on cloud-based cognitive apps and services powered by Watson. The IBM Watson Group will focus on R&D and commercialization of software, services and apps that think, improve by learning and discover answers to complex questions by analyzing massive amounts of Big Data. IBM will invest more than $1 billion in the unit, including $100 million in venture investments to support an ecosystem of entrepreneurs developing Watson-powered apps. (Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service)
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IBM Watson Group Unveils Cloud-Delivered Watson Services
Date added: 09 Jan 2014
New York, NY/January 9, 2014/FPSnewswire -- IBM employees at the company's offices in New York City discuss next-generation Watson cloud apps that will be developed by the IBM Watson Group, a new IBM business unit headquartered in the heart of New York City's Silicon Alley, on Thurs., January 9, 2014. The Watson Group will develop products and collaborate with start-ups on cloud-based cognitive apps and services powered by Watson. The Watson Group will focus on R&D and commercialization of software, services and apps that think, improve by learning and discover answers to complex questions by analyzing massive amounts of Big Data. IBM will invest more than $1 billion in the unit, including $100 million in venture investments to support an ecosystem of entrepreneurs developing Watson-powered apps. (Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service)
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IBM opens Watson to Ecosystem of Developers for Building Cognitive Apps in the Cloud
Date added: 11 Nov 2013
Jeff Margolis, CEO, Welltok and Brooke Aguilar, VP, Global Business Development, Products Team, Fluid discuss their companies' new "Powered by Watson" apps. A pioneer in the emerging field of Social Health Management, Welltok has developed an app that will create Intelligent Health Itineraries for consumers. These personalized itineraries, sponsored by health plans, health systems and health retailers, will include tailored activities, relevant content and condition management programs, and will reward users for engaging in healthy behaviors. Consumers who use Welltok's app -- CaféWell Concierge powered by IBM Watson – will participate in conversations about their health with Watson. By leveraging Watson's ability to learn from every interaction, the app will offer insights tailored to each individual’s health needs. (Credit: Jack Plunkett, Feature Photo Service)
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IBM opens Watson to Ecosystem of Developers for Building Cognitive Apps in the Cloud
Date added: 13 Nov 2013
Welltok's new cognitive application, the CaféWell Concierge powered by IBM Watson. (Credit: IBM)
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IBM opens Watson to Ecosystem of Developers for Building Cognitive Apps in the Cloud
Date added: 12 Nov 2013
Douglas Taylor, VP Products, MD Buyline discusses MD Buyline's new Powered by IBM Watson application. This provider of supply chain solutions for hospitals and healthcare systems has developed an app to allow clinical and financial users to make real-time, informed decisions to improve quality, value, outcomes and patient satisfaction. Hippocrates powered by IBM Watson will provide users with access to a helpful research assistant that provides fast, evidence based recommendations from a wealth of data, to ensure medical organizations are making the best decisions for their physicians' and patients' needs. (Credit: Jack Plunkett, Feature Photo Service)
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IBM opens Watson to Ecosystem of Developers for Building Cognitive Apps in the Cloud
Date added: 12 Nov 2013
Brooke Aguilar, VP, Global Business Development, Products Team, Fluid, demonstrates her company's Powered by Watson application. Fluid, which builds online shopping experiences for retail businesses to drive customer engagement and conversion, has developed the Fluid Expert Personal Shopper powered by IBM Watson. The app calls upon Watson's ability to understand the nuances of human language and uncover answers from Big Data. Consumers who use Fluid's app will interact with rich media and dialogue with Watson, as their newfound “cognitive, expert personal shopper.” The Fluid app incorporates the information users share and questions they ask to help them make smart, satisfying purchases by putting the most knowledgeable sales associate in the hands of consumers, every time. (Credit: Jack Plunkett, Feature Photo Service)
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IBM opens Watson to Ecosystem of Developers for Building Cognitive Apps in the Cloud
Date added: 14 Nov 2013
MD Buyline's new cognitive application, Hippocrates powered by IBM Watson. (Credit: IBM)
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IBM Watson to Fuel Ecosystem of Developers in the Cloud, Sparking New Era of Cognitive Apps
Date added: 13 Nov 2013
Welltok's new cognitive application, the CaféWell Concierge powered by IBM Watson. (Credit: IBM)
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IBM Watson to Fuel Ecosystem of Developers in the Cloud, Sparking New Era of Cognitive Apps
Date added: 13 Nov 2013
Welltok's new cognitive application, the CaféWell Concierge powered by IBM Watson. (Credit: IBM)
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IBM WatsonPaths Research Project
Date added: 15 Oct 2013
This is WatsonPaths, an IBM research project with Cleveland Clinic to develop a new cognitive computing learning and teaching tool that will be designed to help physicians and medical students learn how to make more informed and accurate decisions faster. WatsonPaths is learning the way physicians solve problems and interacting intuitively with them to provide real-time access and understanding of massive volumes of medical information. The tool will help physicians and students learn critical reasoning skills. IBM Researcher Mike Barborak walks through the WatsonPaths user interface. (Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service for IBM)
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IBM Watson goes to work for you, tranforming how brands and consumers engage (Infographic)
Date added: 21 May 2013
Consumers are increasingly looking for personalized, efficient interactions with the brands they frequent. To address this need, IBM has unveiled the IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, which uses cloud-delivered mobile and online chat technology to assist businesses' customers, anytime and anywhere. From answering questions to offering guidance for purchases, IBM Watson will allow a brand's customer-facing employees to make better recommendations, or sit directly in the hands of consumers, offering helpful advice via mobile engagement. (Credit: IBM)
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IBM unveils the IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, tranforming how brands engage with consumers
Date added: 21 May 2013
IBM Watson Solutions VP Stephen Gold interacts with the new IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, which uses cloud-delivered mobile and online chat technology to assist businesses' customers, anytime and anywhere. From answering questions to offering guidance for purchases, IBM Watson will allow a brand's customer-facing employees to make better recommendations, or sit directly in the hands of consumers, offering helpful advice via mobile engagement. (Credit: Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service for IBM)
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IBM unveils the IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, tranforming how brands engage with consumers (2)
Date added: 21 May 2013
On Tuesday, May 21, 2013, IBM unveiled the IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, which uses cloud-delivered mobile and online chat technology to assist businesses' customers, anytime and anywhere. From answering questions to offering guidance for purchases, IBM Watson will allow a brand's customer-facing employees to make better recommendations, or sit directly in the hands of consumers, offering helpful advice via mobile engagement. (Credit: Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service for IBM)
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IBM unveils the IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, tranforming how brands engage with consumers (3)
Date added: 21 May 2013
On Tuesday, May 21, 2013, IBM unveiled the IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, which uses cloud-delivered mobile and online chat technology to assist businesses' customers, anytime and anywhere. From answering questions to offering guidance for purchases, IBM Watson will allow a brand's customer-facing employees to make better recommendations, or sit directly in the hands of consumers, offering helpful advice via mobile engagement. (Credit: Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service for IBM)
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IBM unveils the IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, tranforming how brands engage with consumers (4)
Date added: 21 May 2013
On Tuesday, May 21, 2013, IBM unveiled the IBM Watson Engagement Advisor, which uses cloud-delivered mobile and online chat technology to assist businesses' customers, anytime and anywhere. From answering questions to offering guidance for purchases, IBM Watson will allow a brand's customer-facing employees to make better recommendations, or sit directly in the hands of consumers, offering helpful advice via mobile engagement. (Credit: Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service for IBM)
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IBM Watson: New Breakthroughs Transform Quality Care for Patients
Date added: 08 Feb 2013
Manoj Saxena, IBM General Manager, Watson Solutions, Mark Kris, MD, Chief of Thoracic Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and Lori Beer, WellPoint’s Executive Vice President of Specialty Businesses and Information Technology use the new Watson-based cognitive computing product for oncology. IBM, Memorial Sloan-Kettering and WellPoint today introduced the first commercially based products based on Watson at an IBM healthcare forum in New York City.(Jon Simon/Feature Photo Service)
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Big Computer On Campus
Date added: 30 Jan 2013
Flanked by the avatar of IBM's Watson computer, IBM Research Scientist Dr. Chris Welty (left) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student Naveen Sundar discuss potential new ways the famous computer could be used. IBM donated a version of its Watson system to Rensselaer, making it the first university in the world to receive such a system. Rensselaer students and faculty will explore new uses for Watson and ways to deepen its cognitive computing capabilities. (Philip Kamrass/Feature Photo Service for IBM)
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IBM Watson Makes the Grade
Date added: 17 May 2012
In Rochester, New York, Christian Beck (left) and Jamiee Saxton (right), students of the Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester are winners of the IBM Watson case competition for their proposal on crisis and disaster management. Students from the school submitted new ideas for applying the IBM Watson technology to address complex societal and business challenges in the transportation, energy, retail and public sector industries. The competition is helping students gain new skills in analytics and cognitive computing to prepare for future career opportunities. (Matt Wittmeyer/Feature Photo Service for IBM)
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IBM and MSK Advancing Cancer Care
Date added: 22 Mar 2012
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and IBM are developing a powerful system built upon IBM Watson to help doctors create individualized cancer treatment recommendations for their patients.
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Citi and IBM ‘Electronic Brain’ Project
Date added: 05 Mar 2012
Citi and IBM have a long history of collaboration. In 1954, Citi and IBM announced their use of IBM's 701 Electronic Data Processing Machine, called an 'electronic brain,' to dramatically reduce the time required for cost-benefit analysis.
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Infographic - ONE YEAR LATER, Watson by the Numbers
Date added: 15 Feb 2012
Infographic - One Year Later, Watson by the Numbers
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IBM and Jeopardy! Relive History with Encore Presentation of Jeopardy!: The IBM Challenge
Date added: 30 Aug 2011
IBM's Watson computer system, powered by IBM POWER7, competes against Jeopardy!'s two most successful and celebrated contestants -- Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. Jeopardy! will broadcast an encore presentation of the first-ever man vs. machine Jeopardy! competition airing on September 12, 13 and 14, 2011.
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IBM Watson Computing System
Date added: 14 Dec 2010
IBM's Watson computing system is made up of electronically generated graphic compositions in which computer algorithms define the shape, texture and motion.The visual identity provides a peak at what a computer goes through as it responds to a Jeopardy! clue. Watson’s on-stage persona shares the graphic structure and tonality of the IBM Smarter Planet logo, a symbol of the company's effort to make the world work better.
Contact(s) for the Press kit
Christine Vu
IBM Media Relations
914-945-2755
vuch@us.ibm.com
Kristen Dattoli
IBM Media Relations
617-869-4378
kmdattoli@us.ibm.com
John Natale
IBM Media Relations
1 (617) 875-3658
jdnatale@us.ibm.com
Additional resources
Site links
For more information about the science behind Watson, click here
View Jeopardy! / Watson photos on Flickr
IBM Watson University Challenge and Symposium
To view Healthcare Infographic on Flickr, click here
YouTube Video: First Academic Case Competition Proposes Novel Ways to Put IBM Watson to Work