IBM’s Strategic Acquisition of Hakkoda: A Major Step in Data and AI Consulting
On April 7, 2025, IBM made a significant announcement from its headquarters in Armonk, New York, about its acquisition of Hakkoda Inc., a globally recognized data and AI consultancy. This acquisition is poised to enhance IBM Consulting’s offerings by integrating Hakkoda’s specialized expertise in data platforms, thereby enabling clients to prepare their data for AI-driven business operations.
Hakkoda is renowned for its capabilities in data migration, modernization, and monetization, and holds a prestigious reputation as a Snowflake partner. By acquiring Hakkoda, IBM aims to fortify its capacity to address the escalating demand for data services. The integration of Hakkoda’s services will empower IBM to construct enterprise data infrastructures that are optimized for speed, cost, and efficiency, catering to diverse business needs.
Hakkoda also brings to the table a robust suite of generative AI-powered assets that can expedite data modernization projects. These assets, combined with Hakkoda’s industry-specific solutions, bolster the expertise of its consultants in sectors such as financial services, the public sector, and healthcare and life sciences. This acquisition will augment IBM’s ability to deliver consulting services and AI solutions through its AI-enhanced delivery platform, IBM Consulting Advantage.
According to Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President and Head of IBM Consulting, "IBM is at the forefront of the consulting industry, leveraging AI to enhance our consultants’ capabilities. With Hakkoda’s data expertise, strong technology partnerships, and asset-centric delivery model, IBM is now even better positioned to deliver rapid value to clients undergoing AI transformation."
Erik Duffield, CEO and Co-founder of Hakkoda, expressed his enthusiasm about joining IBM, stating, "Hakkoda has always been dedicated to actively participating in the significant transformation journey, rather than merely observing it. Joining IBM at this pivotal moment is exciting as organizations seek a trusted partner to modernize their data for the AI era. IBM’s legacy of innovation and commitment to solving complex technical challenges aligns perfectly with Hakkoda’s industry-focused modern data consulting approach."
The Growing Market for Enterprise Intelligence Services
The acquisition comes at a time when the global spending on enterprise intelligence services initiatives is projected to reach $169 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 13 percent, expected to exceed $243 billion by 2028, as reported by IDC. To derive substantial value from their data, business leaders require a strategic data migration approach and a contemporary, versatile data platform hosted on the cloud.
Hakkoda’s status as an Elite Snowflake partner is noteworthy, boasting hundreds of SnowPro core and advanced certifications. The company has been recognized as the 2024 Snowflake Healthcare & Life Sciences Services Partner of the Year and the 2023 Snowflake Americas System Integrator Innovation Partner of the Year. Additionally, Hakkoda is an advanced-tier partner with AWS, further enhancing its credentials.
The acquisition was finalized on April 2, 2025, although the financial specifics of the transaction have not been disclosed.
About IBM
IBM is a leader in providing global hybrid cloud and AI solutions, as well as consulting expertise. With a presence in over 175 countries, IBM assists clients in harnessing insights from their data, streamlining business processes, reducing costs, and gaining a competitive edge in their respective industries. Thousands of government bodies and corporations in critical infrastructure sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift for rapid, efficient, and secure digital transformations. IBM’s groundbreaking innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting provide open and flexible options for clients, supported by a longstanding commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service.
For more information, you can visit IBM’s official website at www.ibm.com.
This strategic acquisition underscores IBM’s commitment to expanding its data and AI consulting capabilities, setting the stage for enhanced client service and innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of data-driven business solutions.
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