IBM enhances network IT automation capabilities with Pliant acquisition | Computer Weekly

▤ Summary

Noting that as enterprise network environments become increasingly dynamic, complex and disparate, meaning IT teams need automation tools to maximise value throughout their technology stack, IBM has acquired orchestration platform provider Pliant. Talking about a specific use case for its technology and services in the realm of the retail industry, Pliant pointed to the fact that large retail organisations expanding their operations can struggle to manage their IT infrastructure and networks while increasing headcount to meet the growing demand for deployment, configuration and management services may not be an option. The company added that automating with traditional script-based methods may also present a challenge as organisations may find they lack the depth and breadth of coding skills required to be effective. Pliant said that by deploying the approaches of low-code and no-code automation, it can greatly expand the reach and productivity of IT teams, and gives retail organisations increased flexibility in warehouse, inventory and network operations. In a blog post commenting on the acquisition, Andrew Coward, general manager of software-defined networking at IBM, said: “Pliant is the latest example of how IBM is innovating through a combination of R&D and strategic acquisitions to deliver the data, AI and automation solutions that businesses need to manage an increasingly complex network infrastructure.”

▦ Linked Companies

IBM

$1B+