The new company is the result of Big Blue’s spinoff of its Managed Infrastructure Services business.
IBM announced this week that Kyndryl will be the name of its new, independent company. The newco follows the separation of IBM’s Managed Infrastructure Services business. The christening should happen by the end of 2021.
“Kyndryl evokes the spirit of true partnership and growth,” said Martin Schroeter, Chief Executive Officer of Kyndryl. “Customers around the world will come to know Kyndryl as a brand that runs the vital systems at the heart of progress, and an independent company with the best global talent in the industry.”
What is in a name?
Kyndryl also announced that its headquarters will be in New York City. “The decision to base our corporate team in one of the world’s most vibrant and global urban centers underscores our commitment to the economic health of cities,” Schroeter said.
Kyndryl is a modern adaptation of two words, according to IBM. “Kyn” stems from the word kinship. This, the company says, references the belief that relationships with people are at the center of the strategy.
“Dryl” comes from tendril, bringing to mind new growth. IBM says it also conveys the idea that the business is always working toward advancing human progress.
The company is only starting its “brand journey”
“Creating a name is just the start of our journey as a brand,” said Kyndryl Chief Marketing Officer Maria Bartolome Winans. “It will help identify us and support recognition, but the meaning of the name will be built and enhanced over time from our behaviors, aspirations and actions, and what we enable our customers to do. Our vision is to be the leading company that designs, runs and modernizes the critical technology infrastructure of the world’s most important businesses and institutions, ultimately powering human progress.”
As an independent company, Kyndryl will open alliances with a diverse ecosystem of leading technology partners. This includes a global base of 4,600 customers, including some of the world’s most complex technology environments.
IBM says Kyndryl is uniquely able to help customers build strong, secure, resilient and adaptive digital capabilities.