Think 2026: IBM Delivers the Blueprint for the AI Operating Model as the AI Divide Widens
IBM Press Release, Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
IBM unveils comprehensive AI and hybrid cloud capabilities including watsonx Orchestrate, Confluent integration, and Concert platform.
At its Think 2026 conference, IBM announced a major expansion of enterprise AI and hybrid cloud management capabilities designed to address the widening gap between AI investment and actual business value.
The company introduced a new AI operating model built on four integrated systems: agents through orchestrated AI execution, data through real-time information foundations powered by the Confluent acquisition, automation through the AI-powered Concert platform for intelligent operations, and hybrid infrastructure through sovereign controls.
Key announcements include the next generation of watsonx Orchestrate for multi-agent governance, IBM Bob for agentic development, and enhanced data capabilities with real-time context layers for enterprise AI systems. IBM CEO Arvind Krishna emphasized that leading enterprises are redesigning their entire business operations around AI rather than simply deploying more AI applications.