Sri Lanka lacks expertise in analytics and AI
While technology has always been in the forefront and Sri Lankan tech companies are well-known for software and hardware development, there is a dearth of expertise in analytics and artificial intelligence in the country. The skill that is required to engage with clients and conceptualise the solutions is missing.
IBM Sri Lanka, Country General Manager, Riza Wadood made this remark during a virtual media briefing held to announce IBM’s outline for cloud and AI digital transformation strategy in Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
Mr. Wadood said, “One of the challenges we have had in the local market especially around analytics and AI is that we haven’t had the skills that are required to be able to engage with clients and to conceptualise the solutions that are required. The skills we are building especially around analytics and data science is a scarce resource in Sri Lanka; we don’t have many people here.”
On Tuesday IBM outlined a comprehensive strategy for Sri Lanka driven by hybrid cloud and AI, underpinned by cybersecurity. As organisations are beginning to recover their business to emerge smarter from the pandemic, IBM will focus on helping them adapt to the new normal by infusing AI into their workflows, shifting to hybrid cloud, strengthening cybersecurity and automating IT processes. As part of this strategy, IBM announced the extension of its global partnership with PMsquare, a platinum IBM business partner in Sri Lanka. PMsquare will collaborate with IBM on data and business analytics solutions to co-create and co-innovate with, and for clients in the market.
IBM India and South Asia, Managing Director, Sandip Patel said, “The move to digital has accelerated in the new normal and IBM is leading the way in helping our clients build resilience through a technology-driven business transformation. With a strong channel ecosystem, a robust hybrid cloud capability and deep cybersecurity expertise, we are poised to take the lead in helping Sri Lankan enterprises emerge smarter in their digital transformation journey.” “PMsquare Sri Lanka already has a customer base of large companies whose combined revenue figures are close to US$ 88 billion. After developing the team in Sri Lanka, PMsquare has partnered with IBM to promote IBM business analytics solutions to Sri Lankan businesses. IBM is well-known for its technology capabilities and now with PMsquare, clients can focus on improving their collaborative planning by using AI powered solutions such as IBM planning analytics and IBM decision optimisation,” said Jason Rankin CA, PMsquare Regional Director Asia and Group CFO.