IBM finally finds someone willing to buy Watson

In-brief IBM has offloaded healthcare data and analytics assets from its Watson Health business, with private equity firm Francisco Partners hand over around $1bn for the privilege. The takeover "is a clear next step as IBM becomes even more focused on our platform-based hybrid cloud and AI strategy," Tom Rosamilia, senior vice president, IBM Software, told newswire Bloomberg. "IBM remains committed to Watson, our broader AI business, and to the clients and partners we support in healthcare IT." Launched in 2015, IBM Watson Health hasn't been able to turn a profit despite the company spending $4bn in acquisitions to grow the business and its capabilities. IBM has tried to whittle down its Watson Health division for a while, after struggling to sign hospitals as clients. Professional poker players are increasingly consulting specialized poker software programs to boost their chances of winning, but some believe it has made the game less fun and encourages cheating online.