IBM's Watson Gets Even More Data - IBM (NYSE:IBM)

This week, the

reported that

International Business Machines Corp

(NYSE:

) is spending $2.6 billion in order to acquire Truven Health Analytics Inc. The deal will boost IBM's artificial intelligence efforts by providing its Watson computer with a slew of new medial data.

IBM Investing In Healthcare

The size of IBM's Watson Health business will double following the acquisition and the firm will be able to offer a slew of new services to doctors and hospitals using data from Truven. This follows years of investing in medical-technology companies in order to bolster Watson's capabilities.

Watson In Healthcare

IBM's work to develop Watson has created several potential areas for growth as the computer's ability to learn by sorting through huge volumes of data will make it an asset to several industries. However, one of the most promising spaces for Watson's expansion is healthcare. The computer's vast knowledge is expected to eventually make it easier for doctors to diagnose conditions and make educated guesses about how different symptoms are linked. Watson can use historical data to make medicine more precise and give doctors a new resource with which to diagnose their patients.

Data Driven Healthcare

IBM's positioning in the healthcare space will be important to the company's future growth as healthcare in the US falls under more and more scrutiny. Data driven healthcare will likely help cut out necessary procedures and lower the costs to hospitals and insurers, a welcome change at a time when rising costs have been the subject of hot debates. As Watson becomes more and more accurate, the computer will likely be better able to improve results-driven healthcare.

Earn 8% APY on a Real Estate-Backed Note from $5,000

Promoted by EquityMultiple(17b disclosure)

EquityMultiple's Alpine Notes have distributed $478M+ with no missed payments. Accredited investors can start with $5,000 at a fixed 8% APY for 6 months.

IBMInternational Business Machines Corp

$228.080.42%

Overview

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.