IBM, Blackboard Team up on Infrastructure Management, Cognitive Solutions

Blackboard and IBM have entered a partnership that will include the latter managing the ed tech company's datacenters and cloud infrastructure. The two will also work to produce new education solutions using IBM's cognitive computing technology, Watson, and Blackboard's suite.

"Under the agreement, IBM will manage much of Blackboard's technology infrastructure, including the company's 28 global data centers and its existing public cloud footprint," according to a news release. "IBM will also provide support for Blackboard's expanding use of the public cloud. Blackboard will leverage IBM's expertise and software to offer customers some of the most flexible, reliable, security-rich and resilient environments available."

IBM will also help Blackboard move its applications and datacenters to the public cloud in an effort to improve service for Blackboard customers.

"Working with Blackboard builds on our ongoing commitment to education, to learning and to creating an environment where our clients can continue to focus on developing innovative solutions to the challenges faced by educators," said Philip Guido, IBM general manager of global technology services for North America, in a prepared statement. "By working with us in this transformative journey, Blackboard is accelerating its ability to deliver agile solutions via the cloud that enhance the educational experience."

"I'm excited by the new opportunities working with IBM will bring to Blackboard customers," said Bill Ballhaus, Blackboard chairman, CEO and president, in a news release. "We will continue to focus on what we do best — delivering the best educational technologies and solutions that benefit learners — while we work with IBM to help ensure our customers' systems are  protected and secure. At the same time, this broad agreement enables us to expand our service into new markets, and develop cutting-edge technologies together with IBM Watson."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.