IBM unveils Sovereign Core for digital sovereignty in AI environments

Core Insights - IBM has launched IBM Sovereign Core, a software solution aimed at enterprises, government bodies, and service providers to manage AI workloads in secure environments, addressing the need for operational authority as regulatory requirements evolve [1][2] - The solution allows customers to build and oversee AI-ready environments under their jurisdiction, focusing on data control and system governance [2][5] Product Features - IBM Sovereign Core is based on Red Hat's open-source software, providing a customer-controlled operational model where authentication, encryption keys, and access management are maintained within jurisdictional boundaries [3] - The product generates operational data, system telemetry, and audit trails to support compliance requirements [3] - It enables local AI model deployment and operations, ensuring data does not need to be exported externally [4] Market Strategy - IBM is collaborating with IT service providers for the initial rollout in Europe, starting with Cegeka in Belgium and the Netherlands, and Computacenter in Germany, to provide local operational control for large-scale AI workloads [5][6] - A tech preview of IBM Sovereign Core is expected to be available from February, with full general availability anticipated by mid-2026 [6]