1,000 Indian firms sign up for IBM's Watson platform

MUMBAI: American technology company IBM has said that more than 1,000 Indian companies, including startups, are using the Watson Internet of Things, its data analytics and cognitive artificial-intelligence (AI) platform, to draw insights from enormous amount of data collected through sensors placed on machines and devices. IBM counts Tata Steel, Reliance Group, Tech Mahindra, Maruti-Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, KPIT, Arrow Electronics, Kone, Acculi Labs, Avanijal Agri Automation and Schneider Electric India among its customers and partners. It is also working with several Indian states and government bodies on water management, precision agriculture and asset optimisation projects. "India has exceeded our expectations in numbers. The speed to market in Indian environment is fantastic. We are working with big brands, medium-sized companies and a phenomenal number of startups, particularly in agriculture and healthcare," said Harriet Green, general manager, Watson Internet of Things, customer engagement and education at IBM.