IBM forms Internet of things unit, names general manager
IBM on Monday launched an Internet of Things unit and announced plans to form an education division. Big Blue also named Harriet Green, who was the CEO of the Thomas Cook Group, as general manager.
The move comes a week after IBM named a general manager for its Watson Health unit.
In 2014, IBM launched a series of businesses focused on cloud, analytics, Internet of things and other high-growth areas. In 2015, IBM is rounding out the executive ranks of these units.
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Green will lead the IoT unit, which is in some ways a spin-off from the big data and analytics division. IBM said it will spend $3 billion over the next four years on industry-focused uses for its cloud, analytics and cognitive computing technologies. Green will oversee a business with more than 2,000 employees, said IBM in a statement.
The Internet of things is seen as a growth market for many technology vendors. IBM is likely to duel General Electric as well as companies like Cisco.
IBM has previously landed IoT deals with The Weather Company and AT&T.
The education unit, which is likely to have a healthy dose of Apple incorporated, will launch later in 2015, said IBM. Green will also manage that division.
Green is credited with transforming Thomas Cook Group. She was also CEO of Premier Farnell, which is a distributor of technology products. She was also an executive at distributor Arrow Electronics.