IBM Platform Now Lets Clients Customize Data Privacy Settings

IBM has unveiled the latest addition to its Z mainframe portfolio, a new platform called the z15 designed with data privacy, security and hybrid multi-cloud use in mind, the company said in a release on Thursday (Sept. 12).

The z15 increases security and compliance using Data Privacy Passports technology that clients can use to gain control over how data is stored and shared. “With z15, clients can manage who gets access to data via policy-based controls, with an industry-first capability to revoke access to data across the hybrid cloud,” the company said.

Data hacks are usually caused by the movement of information between partners and third parties, the company said, with some 60 percent of businesses in 2018 reporting they suffered a data breach caused by a vendor or third party. As hybrid cloud strategies become more popular, this vulnerability is further exacerbated.

“More than ever, our customers are looking for transactions to happen in a fraction of a second in a highly performant manner. Whether they’re at an ATM machine, making a purchase at a retail store, or transferring money when abroad — the agility, performance and security of IBM Z is paramount for delivering a positive experience for our customers,” said Graham Fagan, director of technology and operations at Allied Irish Bank.

It took IBM four years to develop the z15 after collaborating with over 100 companies, according to the release, which noted that over 3,000 IBM Z patents have been issued or are in the process of being issued. 

A Harris Poll study commissioned by IBM found that 64 percent of consumers have opted out of doing business with a company due to data security concerns. However, 76 percent of respondents indicated they would be more willing to share personal information if there was a way to fully take back and retrieve that data at any time. 

In May, IBM announced the launch of a new supply chain management solution deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to detect anomalies in the supply chain. IBM’s Business Transactional Intelligence tool mitigates the risk of supply chain disruptions. As part of IBM’s Supply Chain Business Network, the BTI tool facilitates access to data of supply chain processes, including procure-to-pay and order-to-cash interactions.