MONTREAL, QC - IBM (NYSE: NYSE:IBM) has announced the establishment of a new Cloud Multizone Region (MZR) in Montreal, Quebec, slated to open in the first half of 2025. This initiative aims to assist Canadian enterprises in meeting stringent regulatory requirements and harnessing Generative AI technology within a secure cloud environment. The forthcoming Montreal MZR will be the latest addition to IBM's expanding cloud infrastructure in Canada, complementing the Toronto MZR launched in 2021 and existing data centers in Montreal.
The new facility is designed to cater to industries with rigorous regulatory demands, such as federal and financial services, by providing a cloud platform that supports high-security and compliance standards, including adherence to the Government of Canada's Protected B Medium Profile for sensitive information.
IBM's Montreal MZR will feature three Availability Zones, offering enhanced resiliency and consistent cloud services to facilitate mission-critical operations. Clients across Canada, including SmartWorks, a division of Harris Computer Systems, will benefit from access to this infrastructure, which will be powered entirely by renewable electricity. The MZR will also offer advanced hybrid cloud capabilities, such as IBM Power Virtual Server, VMware (NYSE:VMW) as a Service, SAP, and HPC as a Service.
Alan Peacock, General Manager of IBM Cloud, emphasized IBM's commitment to enabling Canadian clients to foster growth and innovation while ensuring data security and compliance with local regulations. The company's investment in Quebec's cloud capabilities is intended to support Canadian organizations in scaling operations and maintaining competitiveness, particularly in highly regulated sectors.
IBM's cloud platform expansion in Canada is part of its broader strategy to facilitate cloud adoption amongst Canadian enterprises. The IBM Cloud for Financial Services, backed by over 130 technology partners and fintechs, is designed to expedite the digital transformation of financial institutions, focusing on trust, security, compliance, and data sovereignty. The platform includes industry-specific security and controls, as well as Payments-as-a-Service offerings, such as Checks-as-a-Service, through the IBM Payments Center.
While IBM's announcement charts a future direction for its cloud services in Canada, the company notes that its statements are aspirational and subject to change. Clients remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations, and IBM does not guarantee that its services or products will ensure compliance.
This expansion underscores IBM's dedication to supporting Canadian businesses in their technological advancements and regulatory compliance efforts, leveraging secure cloud platforms to drive innovation. The information for this report is based on a press release statement.
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