The satellite operator said in an announcement that its O3b network and IBM’s “global data center footprint” could provide internet of things, artificial intelligence, “continuous emergency preparedness strategies” and other services to customers whose land-based fibre network isn’t up to scratch.

John-Paul Hemingway, CEO of SES Networks, stated in the 4 October press release:

“We are excited to team with IBM Cloud to meet these growing cloud connectivity demands. With performance that rivals the terrestrial fibre connectivity, our standards-based O3b fleet is designed to make satellite a seamless ‘plug-and-play’ connectivity option for robust solutions for cloud leaders like IBM Cloud.”

The companies will target, among others, the government, telecommunications, aerospace and energy markets.