IBM Bolsters Data Trust with Manta Software Acquisition
IBM has taken a significant step towards addressing concerns about the trustworthiness of data sourced from artificial intelligence (AI) by acquiring Manta Software. The Europe-based company specializes in providing a data lineage platform, which tracks the flow of data over time, offering insights into its origin, changes, and ultimate destination within the data pipeline. This acquisition aligns with IBM’s focus on delivering data and products built on principles of trust and transparency, particularly in its Watson.ai services.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into business workflows and data becomes more complex, ensuring data quality and explainability are paramount. In a recent study, IBM found that concerns regarding the lineage or provenance of data were the primary barrier to the widespread adoption of generative AI. Organizations are keen to gain a better understanding of the data that feeds their intelligent systems.
The financial details of the Manta Software acquisition remain undisclosed. However, IBM and Manta have been collaborating since June 2022. Manta Software, founded in 2016 and based in Prague, Czechoslovakia, brings valuable expertise in data lineage to IBM’s portfolio.
In 2023 alone, IBM has already acquired eight companies, totaling over 30 since Arvind Krishna assumed the role of CEO in April 2020. With its acquisition of Red Hat, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and extensive workforce across the state, IBM reaffirms its commitment to technological advancements and cutting-edge solutions.
Furthermore, Watson, IBM’s flagship AI system, is undergoing a transformation with a new name, WatsonX, and enhanced capabilities. This reboot positions WatsonX to continue serving a wide range of industries and sectors.
IBM’s acquisition of Manta Software signifies a strategic move towards addressing concerns about data lineage and provenance in the AI landscape. By incorporating Manta’s data lineage platform into its services, IBM aims to provide customers with trustworthy and transparent data and products. With an established foothold in North Carolina and a multitude of successful acquisitions, IBM continues to expand its influence in the technology sector.
