IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI on Aug. 13, 2026, to embed OpenAI models and products into IBM Consulting's AI delivery platform, targeting enterprise deployments across financial services, government, telecommunications, and retail.

The partnership integrates OpenAI frontier models, including GPT-5.6, as well as products such as Codex and ChatGPT Work, into IBM Consulting Advantage, IBM's platform for delivering consulting services. The collaboration targets workflow modernization across enterprise functions including finance, procurement, customer operations, and HR.

IBM will establish a dedicated OpenAI Practice, staffing it with thousands of consultants and engineers trained under OpenAI Partner Network certifications. The company will also deploy forward-deployed units of specialized engineers to work directly with clients on AI implementation in regulated environments.

The partnership will focus on three areas: converting legacy workflows into AI-ready operations, modernizing applications and accelerating software development, and expanding cybersecurity collaboration through the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Program combined with IBM Autonomous Security.

"The challenge is not access to AI technologies — it's integrating AI securely and at scale into complex enterprise environments and workflows," said Andy Baldwin, Global Senior Vice President at IBM Consulting.

Denise Dresser, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenAI, said the two companies are helping organizations deploy AI that is "secure, operational, and aligned with real business priorities."

As part of the agreement, IBM will join OpenAI's Elite partner tier. The companies plan to develop industry-specific solutions jointly, though IBM noted that statements regarding future direction represent goals and objectives only and are subject to change.