Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


IBM to Acquire AI and Data Solutions Provider DataStax

  • By John K. Waters
  • 02/28/25

IBM has announced the planned acquisition of AI and data solutions provider DataStax, in a move aimed at enhancing its watsonx portfolio and advancing generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for enterprises. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

The acquisition will integrate DataStax's vector database and AI-driven data management capabilities into IBM's expanding AI ecosystem, addressing the challenge enterprises face in unlocking value from vast amounts of unstructured data.

"Businesses cannot realize the full potential of generative AI without the right infrastructure — open source tools and technologies that empower developers, harness unstructured data, and provide a strong foundation for AI applications," said Dinesh Nirmal, senior vice president of IBM Software, in a statement. "DataStax possesses deep competency in this area and shares IBM's relentless commitment to simplifying and scaling generative AI for the enterprise."

DataStax is known for AstraDB and DataStax Enterprise, its NoSQL and vector database solutions built on Apache Cassandra, as well as Langflow, an open source tool for low-code AI application development. IBM said it plans to continue supporting and developing Apache Cassandra, Langflow, and other open source initiatives such as Apache Pulsar and OpenSearch, reinforcing its commitment to open AI ecosystems.

"I've had the awesome privilege to be part of the DataStax journey for the last five-plus years and I couldn't be more excited for our next chapter," said Chet Kapoor, chairman and CEO at DataStax, in a post on LinkedIn. "We have long said that there is no AI without data, and this vision will now be amplified with IBM."

With AI adoption increasing across industries, IBM's acquisition of DataStax aims to bridge a critical gap in enterprise AI deployment. The industry analysts at McKinsey estimate that only 1% of enterprise data is currently utilized in AI models, while 70% of companies with high-performing AI initiatives still face data-related challenges. DataStax's technology is expected to enhance IBM watsonx.data, IBM's hybrid data lakehouse for AI and analytics, by enabling enterprises to manage and leverage unstructured data more effectively.

DataStax's solutions are used by major corporations, including FedEx, Capital One, The Home Depot, and Verizon. The company, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, has been instrumental in advancing database technology for AI workloads. 

About the Author

John K. Waters is the editor in chief of a number of Converge360.com sites, with a focus on high-end development, AI and future tech. He's been writing about cutting-edge technologies and culture of Silicon Valley for more than two decades, and he's written more than a dozen books. He also co-scripted the documentary film Silicon Valley: A 100 Year Renaissance, which aired on PBS.  He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Students using laptops in classroom

    Stop Asking Whether Students Can Use AI

    As generative AI has become embedded in the tools students use to search, write, create, translate, organize, and receive feedback, the boundary between "using AI" and "not using AI" has become increasingly difficult to define. More importantly, treating AI use as a binary choice does little to help students understand the different roles AI can appropriately play in learning.

  • abstract malware attack

    Security Researchers Find AI Ransomware Can Now Run Much of an Attack Without Human Help

    Ransomware attacks are becoming more automated, and AI could take that much further, according to cybersecurity company NCC Group's July 2026 threat intelligence report.

  • abstract spiral of multi colored lights

    OpenAI's New Astra Model Reaches Critical Cyber Threshold

    OpenAI has introduced GPT-6 Astra, its most capable broadly deployed model and the first system the company says has reached the "Critical" cybersecurity capability threshold under its Preparedness Framework.

  • Blurred silhouettes of business people in a modern office with a glowing blue network overlay

    Open Secure AI Alliance Moving Under Linux Foundation

    Governance of the Open Secure AI Alliance has moved to the Linux Foundation, giving the initiative what the organizations describe as a neutral home for developing open source tools, shared standards and defensive practices. The Alliance was launched by NVIDIA in July to develop open security technologies for AI systems and agents.