IBM to Train Thousands of Consultants on OpenAI

IBM announces a partnership with OpenAI to broaden access for its enterprise clients to AI models, amid a lowered revenue forecast for 2026. The agreement includes the establishment of a dedicated practice, training and certifying tens of thousands of consultants, and integrating models like GPT-5.6 into its internal tools. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Lowered 2026 Forecast and Existing Cybersecurity Collaboration

IBM lowered its revenue forecast for 2026 last month, following quarterly results that fell short of expectations. During the latest earnings call, CEO Arvind Krishna stated that artificial intelligence remains a long-term growth driver for the company and clarified that AI adoption complements demand for IBM's mainframe business rather than replacing it. In June, IBM and OpenAI had already collaborated under the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Program, focused on cybersecurity.

IBM Establishes OpenAI Practice and Plans Massive Upskilling

IBM will establish a dedicated OpenAI practice within IBM Consulting and plans to train and certify tens of thousands of consultants in the coming months, primarily by reskilling existing employees, according to Mike Healy (IBM Consulting). The training will cover OpenAI Codex, the OpenAI API, cybersecurity, and consulting solutions. IBM also plans to create a group of "Advanced Deployed Experts" specializing in these areas, trained through OpenAI's partner network.

Integration of OpenAI Models into IBM Consulting Advantage and Security

IBM intends to add the latest OpenAI models, including GPT-5.6, Codex, and ChatGPT Work, to IBM Consulting Advantage, its AI solution for consultants, to assist clients in implementing AI within their critical processes. The new agreement also aims to extend cooperation by integrating OpenAI models with IBM Autonomous Security, IBM's multi-agent cybersecurity service.

Sector Co-Marketing and Strategies of OpenAI and IBM

Announced on Thursday, the partnership between IBM and OpenAI aims to make OpenAI's models and tools accessible to more enterprise clients, leveraging IBM's global consulting sector. The two companies will co-market AI offerings and develop solutions for financial services, government, telecommunications, and retail. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, and it comes less than a year after a similar alliance between IBM and Anthropic. OpenAI seeks to strengthen its presence among enterprises by multiplying agreements with consulting firms and system integrators like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services. IBM, for its part, is increasing partnerships in the field of advanced AI, combining its own Granite models with external solutions, and adopting a multi-model integrator role through its watsonx platform and global consulting business.