IBM announced a new partnership with OpenAI to bring the AI company’s models and tools to more enterprise clients through IBM’s global consulting arm, deepening competition among tech giants for corporate AI spending. The deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, follows a similar alliance IBM struck with Anthropic less than a year ago.
Under the agreement, IBM will establish a dedicated OpenAI practice within IBM Consulting and train tens of thousands of consultants on OpenAI’s technologies over the coming months, according to Mike Healy, managing partner at IBM Consulting. Training will center on OpenAI’s Codex, API tools, cybersecurity offerings, and consultative credentials, with IBM also forming a specialized team of “Forward Deployed Experts” certified through OpenAI’s partner network. IBM plans to integrate OpenAI models, including GPT-5.6, Codex, and ChatGPT Work, into its IBM Consulting Advantage platform.
The partnership extends OpenAI’s broader strategy of working with major systems integrators, following earlier deals with Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services. For IBM, the agreement reinforces its model-agnostic approach, combining its own Granite AI models with third-party offerings through its watsonx platform. The move comes as IBM seeks to strengthen its AI business following a lowered 2026 revenue forecast, with CEO Arvind Krishna maintaining that AI adoption continues to complement rather than replace demand for IBM’s core offerings, including its mainframe business.
