IBM Uses Tennis To Demonstrate Its Dominance In Data

Tennis enthusiasts may be surprised to hear that International Business Machines Corp. IBM has played a major role in the fan experience for over two decades. From posting major match scores online during the early days of the Internet to measuring the speed of big name players' serves, IBM has been an ever present part of the tennis world.

However, this year's U.S. Open is expected to put IBM's efforts to improve the fan experience in the spotlight and could earn the company more notoriety in the sporting space.

Mobile Fans

As most sports in the 21st century, the U.S. Tennis Association has found that the majority of its fans are connecting with matches using mobile devices. Whether it be by watching the games online, using social media to comment, or keeping updated on scores throughout the day, tennis fans are becoming an increasingly mobile audience. This year's U.S. Open is expected to cater to their desire for on-the-go updates with a series of apps that deliver real-time information about ongoing matches.

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In order to do this, IBM has put together a data team that will collect and push out information about players' scores, career milestones and of course, important match highlights. The data-driven efforts are expected to make this year's Open the most technologically advanced game yet.

At The Game

Fans at the game are also able to enhance their experience using their mobile devices as IBM has installed mobile beacons around the venue which send messages that give fans information about the stadium and even provide welcome messages. The system is also capable of sending out marketing messages, but IBM execs say that the best marketing is the experience itself.

Prospective clients from retail brands or other sports enterprises can visit the venue to get an idea of how IBM's data collection and analytics improves the customer experience and better connects fans to the game.