IBM has announced an expansion of its
Business Analytics and Optimization practice to focus on solutions for
public-sector clients.
IBM initially announced the launch of its
Business Analytics and Optimization practice in April, but on Aug. 11 the
systems giant "announced the creation of a new practice focused on
delivering advanced analytic solutions to public sector clients. IBM
will expand its work with federal, state and local government organizations, as
well as in fast-growing markets such as health care and education," the
company said in a news release. According to the release:
The new IBM Business Analytics and Optimization
Services for Public Sector team will include experts with deep knowledge in
areas such as healthcare, transportation, social services, public safety,
regulatory systems, customs and border management, defense, logistics,
cyber-security and education. These professionals will also collaborate with IBM researchers and tap into mathematics and
information management capabilities across IBM.
Moreover, IBM said:
Stimulus and economic recovery
investments around the world are accelerating the development and deployment of
smarter systems such as intelligent utility grids, electronic medical records,
improved transportation systems and food traceability. These smarter systems
require advanced analytics to turn data into predictive intelligence, which
enable these new digital infrastructures to improve the speed and quality of
decision making.
"The ability to use more sophisticated approaches in analyzing information,
extracting insights and optimizing that information can help public-sector
organizations make more informed decisions, better manage their resources and
achieve greater accountability," Charles Prow, managing partner of Global
Business Services for IBM Public Sector,
said in the statement. "IBM sees an enormous
opportunity to help our clients improve program delivery by gaining access to
real-time information that will aid decision making and ultimately improve
their efforts to serve citizens."
For example, "In the area of claim and benefit management, the company
has worked with the U.S. Social Security Administration ... and MedVirginia to
develop a first-of-a-kind electronic records exchange system to shave the
amount of time [needed] to process requests for medical records associated with
disability claims from months to minutes. In addition, IBM
worked with SSA to build a predictive model using text analytics to reduce the
total time needed to review applications for disability from months to
weeks," the company release said. According to the release:
To deliver these services IBM is collaborating with clients via a new
network of Analytics Solutions Centers around the world. Centers in Berlin, Beijing and Tokyo have opened, and additional locations will
be launched in London, New York City and Washington, D.C.,
later this year.
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