Core Viewpoint - International Business Machines (IBM) is re-establishing itself as a significant player in the tech industry, reversing a trend of decline in stock performance over recent years [1]. Group 1: Leadership and Strategy - Under CEO Arvind Krishna, who has been at the helm since 2020, IBM has focused on strategic acquisitions and areas such as hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing [2]. - The acquisition of Cognitus, a specialist in applications for SAP software, is part of IBM's strategy to enhance its capabilities in AI and reclaim its competitive edge [3][5]. Group 2: Acquisition Details - Cognitus is IBM's latest acquisition, adding to a total of approximately 55 companies purchased since Krishna's leadership began [5]. - Cognitus offers industry-specific SAP solutions powered by AI, which will enhance IBM's offerings in SAP-related software and provide access to proprietary AI-enabled tools for billing and lifecycle management [6]. Group 3: Market Impact and Future Outlook - The acquisition is expected to improve IBM's ability to assist clients with regulatory and compliance issues across various sectors, including defense and energy [7]. - The Cognitus deal is seen as a significant step in enhancing IBM's AI capabilities, particularly in relation to SAP products, which is crucial for success in the cloud computing industry [8]. - IBM's stock performance has improved, outpacing the S&P 500, as investors increasingly view the company as a viable player in the AI sector [9].