06:49 AM EDT, 06/04/2026 (MT Newswires) -- IBM ( IBM ) and Google Cloud (GOOG, GOOGL) launched a new Google Cloud-focused consulting practice aimed at helping enterprises deploy artificial intelligence applications and modernize core systems, the companies said Thursday.

The practice will be supported by thousands of Google Cloud-certified consultants and represents a multibillion-dollar opportunity for the two companies.

IBM ( IBM ) also plans to develop industry-specific AI agents for Gemini Enterprise for sectors including banking, government, telecommunications, energy, insurance, and life sciences, according to the companies.

Shares of IBM ( IBM ) were 1.4% lower in Wednesday premarket activity, while Alphabet shares were 0.8% higher.