IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Google Cloud announced the launch of a new Google Cloud Practice designed to help organizations scale artificial intelligence and modernize systems. The partnership combines IBM's consulting platform with Google Cloud's Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform.

The practice will deploy thousands of Google Cloud-certified IBM consultants and engineers to help enterprises implement AI solutions and manage technology across hybrid environments. IBM stated this represents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for both companies.

IBM is developing industry-specific AI agents built on its Consulting Advantage platform and optimized for Gemini Enterprise. These agents target use cases in banking, government, retail, telecommunications, energy, security, insurance, and life sciences.

The partnership enables IBM consultants to design and build enterprise-grade AI agents directly on Google Cloud, combining IBM's pre-built assets and transformation methods with Google Cloud's agent runtime and governance controls.

The companies have previously collaborated on projects including work with Airbus, where IBM consultants and Google Cloud helped transition two aerospace businesses into independent operations in under 18 months by updating more than 100 systems.

"Enterprises are facing one of the most complex modernization cycles in decades," said Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President and Head of IBM Consulting. "By expanding our work with Google Cloud, we're giving clients a clearer and more reliable path to scale AI across their business."

The practice will focus on production-ready AI systems, industry-specific solutions for sectors including aerospace and financial services, cybersecurity operations, hybrid cloud modernization, and operational resilience. Red Hat OpenShift is now available directly in the Google Cloud Console as part of the collaboration.