IBM's Strategic Focus on Hybrid Cloud and AI Reinforcement Elements
IBM's strategy remains centered on hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence, built on five reinforcing elements: client trust, open platforms, innovation, domain expertise, and a broad ecosystem.
This strategy is a flywheel for growth, demonstrated by strong momentum in software, infrastructure, and AI offerings.
Accelerated Path to Data Center Stabilization and Build Efficiency
Adaire Fox-Martin indicated plans to accelerate stabilization of new data centers, reducing the typical 18-24 month build cycle by leveraging fewer phases and larger footprints.
The strategy involves pre-selling or pre-leasing assets to de-risk investments and support faster revenue stabilization.
This approach is driven by increased customer footprint requirements, especially for AI workloads, and aims to support durable growth beyond 2029.
Impact of Customer Optimization on Cloud Revenue Growth
Large customers' optimization efforts have led to consumption growth below prior years' levels.
An AI-native customer is shifting towards self-management, reducing their cloud usage, which is expected to dampen Q4 cloud revenue growth by low single digits.
Despite short-term headwinds, the company remains confident in long-term growth, with a 31% increase in RPO indicating deeper customer commitments.
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