The acquisition further advances IBM’s hybrid cloud and AI strategy.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced Wednesday its acquisition of German software company Instana for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will help businesses better manage the complexity of modern applications, considering they span the hybrid cloud landscape and use AI extensively. (ZDNet)

Instana’s AI for IBM’s cloud deployments

Instana is a provider of application performance management (APM)  and observability solutions for cloud-native and microservice applications.

Its platform uses machine learning algorithms to deliver performance visualizations in 3D. Software is monitored using an agent on the client servers. The agent can detect and map different components of the apps system. It automatically generates performance notifications and anomalies warnings. The software manages application performance on multiple platforms such as on-premise, mobile, mainframe, and cloud. IBM can now help companies manage application performance over as many as 2 to 15 clouds and for multiple teams.

Instana’s acquisition will further bolster IBM’s strength in hybrid cloud, big data, and AI capabilities.

IBM’s AI-powered automation

IBM said in a statement:

“It is another example of how IBM is building on its AI-powered automation capabilities, including:

–  the launch of IBM Watson AIOps earlier this year. IBM’s AI offering for automating how enterprises self-detect, diagnose, and respond to IT anomalies in real-time;

–  its acquisition of WDG Automation to provide clients with broader access to intelligent automation through software robots;

–  its expanded partnership with ServiceNow to develop a joint solution to help companies reduce operational risk and lower costs by applying AI to automate IT operations;

–  and continued updates to IBM Cloud Pak for Automation designed to help companies drive innovation across their expanding IT environments and accelerate digital transformation.”

“Our clients today are faced with managing a complex technology landscape filled with mission-critical applications and data that are running across a variety of hybrid cloud environments – from public clouds, private clouds, and on-premises,” said Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President, Cloud and Data Platform, IBM. “IBM’s acquisition of Instana is yet another important step that we are taking to provide companies with the most complete portfolio of AI-automated solutions to tackle this enormous challenge and help prevent unforeseen IT incidents that can cost a business in lost revenue and reputation.”

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