Technology giant IBM is placing a ‘big bet’ on India and making substantial investments in ‘one of the fastest-growing economies in the world’, according to its chairman, president and CEO Ginni Rometty.
“India is important for IBM. Here, we do real product development and research. We have our global business and technology delivery centre [here]. With digital India, India is moving very fast and we will make investments in [the country],” said Ms. Rometty, without disclosing the size of investments.
Ms. Rometty also batted for “responsible stewardship” saying organisations and governments need to ensure that principles of data security and privacy are upheld as new technologies like cloud and artificial intelligence evolve and influence lives of citizens globally.
‘Inflection point’
Speaking at the IBM think Forum here, she said the evolution of these technologies presents an “inflection point” for enterprises, technology and the overall society. “We have to usher these technologies in with purpose and transparency. Purpose meaning artificial intelligence (AI) is here to augment what you and I do, not replace us,” she said emphasising that enterprises need to share with customers information like the use of AI and the data collected.
She said the world is entering an era where incumbent companies can now become disrupters by leveraging technology platforms, infusing in processes and letting employees learn from data.
“One of the topics I spoke to PM Modi about… all these wonderful data, it will be the opportunity of our life, but it could also be the issue of our times. All the data is going to put a premium on what I call ‘responsible stewardship’ for society to bring those new technologies into this world really safely,” she said.
“We all have to live by a set of data principles. Who do you think should own the data? We believe you own your data… things like ownership, privacy, security.. no government should access it inappropriately.”
