IBM Introduces Identity and Control for AI Agents, Securing Frontier Intelligence for the Enterprise

• Enterprises are deploying agents faster than they can verify them. HashiCorp Vault uses Agent Identity to give each agent a governed identity 
• Verified agents still need limits on access. Vault extends its established secrets management to AI agents, built to enforce least-privilege access and enable real-time revocation when an agent attempts an unauthorized action 
• Enterprises can’t scale agents they can’t see, test or account for. IBM watsonx Orchestrate is designed to unify discovery, containment, and evaluation across Amazon Bedrock, Microsoft Foundry and Google Gemini 

ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At TechXchange 2026, IBM (NYSE: IBM) is announcing new capabilities to help developers, IT and security teams put AI agents to work across business systems with clear authority and accountability. IBM brings together agent discovery, verified identities, access controls and performance evaluation to help organizations understand who owns each agent, control what it can access, and trace its actions across existing applications and infrastructure.  

According to Gartner, by 2028 the average Fortune 500 enterprise will use over 150,000 AI agents. But only 13% of organizations believe that they have the right AI agent governance in place [1]. Persistent credentials, unclear ownership and disconnected controls make it harder to govern agents as they interact with other agents, invoke tools and act across teams, platforms and clouds. 

“The winners in enterprise AI are changing how their business runs, not simply adding more AI to it,” said Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President, IBM Software. “For agents to take on real work across the systems a company depends on, it requires an AI operating model – one that connects agents to the business’s data, applications and infrastructure and runs them with the same discipline as its most critical systems. Build trust and control into that model, and agents stop being a technology and become a way of doing business.”  

Today’s announcements extend IBM’s portfolio to deliver an AI operating model of four essential systems working together: agents, data, automation and hybrid infrastructure. This starts with the trust and control every agent needs – a verified identity, only the access it needs, and one place to discover, secure and evaluate agents regardless of where they were built. 

Extending HashiCorp Vault to AI agents

HashiCorp Vault manages the secrets and credentials that applications and services use to access business systems. It provides that control through centrally managed secrets, automated rotation for supported credentials, and dynamically generated credentials that expire or can be revoked. These capabilities help reduce the time exposed credentials remain usable and limit access to the permissions configured for each role. 

HashiCorp Vault already secures non-human identities for organizations including ABN AMRO, Adobe, athenahealth, BBVA, BlackRock, Canva, Duke Energy, Expedia, London Stock Exchange, Starbucks, Swiss Federal Railways and Target, across systems that process billions of dollars in transactions [2]. HashiCorp will now extend those capabilities to AI agents, issuing secured, short-lived credentials that limit each agent to what it needs. 

Establishing agent identity and accountability

AI agents are a growing class of non-human identity, alongside applications and services. As they begin acting across business systems, enterprises need a clear record of who owns each agent and what authority it has been granted. HashiCorp is combining governed agent identity with credential controls to help organizations delegate work with defined authority and accountability. 

When used with HashiCorp Vault, Agent Identity establishes the authoritative record for each agent, such as who owns it, its lifecycle status and the authority it has been granted. Built to extend existing identity and security investments, it shares relevant identity and authorization context with Vault’s credential controls – ultimately enforcing least-privilege access and enabling real-time revocation when an agent attempts an unauthorized action. 

Controlling agent credentials and access

Identifying an agent is only the start. Enterprises also need to control the credentials it uses to reach databases, applications and cloud services – and how long those credentials remain valid. As agents invoke tools and act across business systems, their credentials become a critical security boundary. An agent with a long-lived, overprivileged credential can put systems and data at risk if it’s compromised or acts outside its intended task. Enterprises need to establish what each agent’s job is, limit the access it receives and revoke that access when circumstances change. 

These controls extend beyond initial authentication. If an agent attempts to retrieve information or perform actions outside its approved permissions, the access can be denied and session revoked in real time to prevent unauthorized activity. Vault’s short-lived credentials and least-privilege controls can further restrict what an agent accesses and the duration of those permissions.  

Additional capabilities include: 

• Vault 2.2 gives agents their own secured accounts, automatically renews their credentials and incorporates post-quantum encryption for quantum-era threats. 
• Secure Hub (public preview) gives companies centralized visibility across their Vault environments to make it easier to understand operational health, usage and security resources. 

At TechXchange, client speakers will share how they use Vault to secure enterprise applications, workloads and AI agents 

• athenahealth: Automating certificate management with Vault’s PKI engine. 
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Applying IBM Verify and Vault to AI agent identity, just-in-time access, dynamic secrets and auditability. 
• Optum: Using Vault Radar to detect exposed secrets and Boundary for just-in-time, identity-based access. 
• Seven-Eleven Japan: Centralizing and encrypting secrets with Vault Enterprise and detecting hardcoded secrets with Vault Radar. 
• Yum! Brands: Building an identity security platform with IBM Verify, with a look ahead to machine identities and secrets management. 

“AI presents extraordinary opportunities to accelerate biomedical research and discovery, but realizing its potential requires a foundation of security, trust, and responsible governance,” said Shailesh M. Shenoy, Assistant Dean for Information Technology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “In my experience, technologies such as IBM Verify and HashiCorp Vault can play an important role in helping organizations establish the identity, access, and security controls needed to innovate with confidence.”  

Managing agents across platforms

Identity tells organizations what an agent is. But they also need to see every agent they have, wherever it was built. IBM watsonx Orchestrate works across the AI ecosystem, not inside a single vendor’s platform, to give organizations one place to discover, secure and evaluate their agents. Capabilities include: 

• Discover (tech preview): Organizations can’t govern agents they don’t know exist. Orchestrate connects to platforms such as Amazon Bedrock, Microsoft Foundry and Google Gemini to find agents built in third-party environments, so teams can see and manage agents instead of adding them manually. This capability also extends to models and MCP servers. 
• Contain (tech preview): One rogue agent can disrupt others and spread mistakes across the business. Orchestrate now runs agents in isolated sandboxes so a rogue agent can’t interfere with others. Teams also now have access to a kill switch to shut down any agent. 
• Evaluate: Agents that aren’t tested and tracked can quietly drift off course and increase costs. Teams using Orchestrate can now test the quality, accuracy and compliance of agents, models and MCP servers before deployment, then monitor them in production. Built-in cost tracking shows each agent’s model and token use, so teams can spot what’s driving spend and fix it. 

Orchestrate also works with Vault’s credential controls and Agent Identity to establish what each agent’s job is, govern its authority and enforce least-privilege credential access. Together, these controls help organizations authorize and audit agent actions and rapidly revoke trust and credentials when risk changes. 

Connecting agents to the business

Once agents are authorized to use a company’s APIs and tools, they need to know what already exists, how systems connect, what can be reused safely and what their actions could affect. IBM Integration Intelligence Hub is built to provide that knowledge through its Unified Context Engine, so agents can fix problems like stuck messages or deploy an API using what’s already in place. Skills, approval policies and audit controls keep those actions in check. Instead of rebuilding for AI, organizations can put agents to work on the systems they already depend on. 

Scaling agents with NVIDIA

Agent Identity and HashiCorp Vault integrate with NVIDIA OpenShell secure runtime software, the foundation of the NVIDIA OpenShell Architecture. Together, they pair a protected environment for agents to run in with a verified identity and short-lived credentials for every agent, so each action can be traced, limited and reviewed. 

“Businesses need enforceable control over how agents operate and what they can access,” said John Fanelli, vice president, enterprise software, NVIDIA. “Our work with IBM combines NVIDIA OpenShell’s policy-governed runtime with Agent Identity and HashiCorp Vault to help enterprises scale AI agents with secure execution, verified identities and tightly scoped access to business systems.” 

Responding to Emerging Security Threats

When new vulnerabilities are discovered, enterprises must quickly identify affected systems, determine required changes and deploy fixes without disrupting critical operations. In complex environments, this process often involves multiple teams, tools and processes. 

IBM Concert integrates observability, optimization, incident management and security across applications, infrastructure and networks. With AI-powered insights and proof of exploitability, Concert helps teams to identify high-risk vulnerabilities, assess operational impact, and coordinate responses. These capabilities also help organizations address performance, manage costs and maintain resilience in hybrid environments. 

HashiCorp Terraform provides an infrastructure context and governed workflows for change implementation. New features now generally available and in public preview, including Terraform policy, Terraform Developer Portal and Terraform remote MCP server, enable developers and AI agents to access approved configurations and implement infrastructure changes through established controls. Terraform powered by Infragraph also helps teams understand infrastructure relationships and dependencies for more informed decisions. 

Together, these capabilities enable organizations to progress from identifying vulnerabilities to implementing and verifying remediation, while optimizing the visibility and governance essential for enterprise operations. 

A comprehensive system intelligence and change orchestration layer for IBM Z 

IBM Z Atlas maps a client’s entire z/OS stack across infrastructure, middleware, and applications, and then uses that intelligence to address the manual effort of tasks like patch management, regulatory response, and sharing system knowledge across teams, from systems programmers to application developers. Atlas addresses the leading cause of unplanned z/OS outages – changes that aren’t proven to be safe – by mapping how a change impacts the z/OS stack and testing and validating it. This design (in tech preview) accelerates clients’ modernization efforts by keeping experts in control and giving practitioners, in operations or development, the same shared Z system visibility to reduce risk. 

Availability

HashiCorp Vault 2.2, Agent Identity, watsonx Orchestrate evaluate capabilities, IBM Concert, and HashiCorp Terraform policy are generally available. Secure Hub, Terraform Developer Portal, Terraform remote MCP server, and IBM Z Atlas are in public preview. IBM Integration Intelligence Hub and watsonx Orchestrate discover and contain capabilities are in tech preview. 

Statements regarding IBM’s future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice and represent goals and objectives only. 

Learn more

IBM TechXchange is IBM’s annual conference for developers and technology practitioners and brings together nearly 6,500 attendees from 85 countries. This year, the event incorporates HashiConf to bring together the HashiCorp community with practitioners from across IBM, Red Hat and Confluent. Attendees can choose from more than 1,000 sessions and experiences, including 180 hands-on labs, 260 client-led sessions and more than 50 certification exams. Speakers include American Airlines, Bradesco, Citi, CVS Health, Deutsche Bank, DoorDash, Hertz, and US Bancorp who will share how they are making AI enterprise ready. 

Session livestream and replays will be available here: ibm.biz/txc26-livestream.  

Supporting Materials

• Strengthen security for agentic AI with new Vault, Verify, Boundary, and Secure Hub capabilities  
• IBM Agent Identity now generally available: Building Trust for the Agentic Era  
• Vault Enterprise 2.2 advances identity security, PKI, and cryptoagility  
• Announcing the public preview of Secure Hub: govern Vault at scale  
• IBM watsonx Orchestrate advances AI agent management with new capabilities  
• IBM Integration Intelligence Hub gives AI the context to act, not just access 
• IBM Concert platform advances the path to cross-domain agentic IT operations  
• Terraform advances infrastructure lifecycle management for the agentic era 
• Introducing IBM Z Atlas: Change Intelligence for IBM Z 

[1]: Gartner Identifies Six Steps to Manage AI Agent Sprawl

[2]: HashiCorp Vault client stories  

About IBM  

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information. 



Media contacts:



Sarah Benchaita

IBM

sarah.benchaita@ibm.com



Kate Lehman

IBM

Kate.Lehman@ibm.com 

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Sirva and Vialto Partners Announce Strategic Alliance to Deliver a More Connected Relocation and Global Mobility Experience

Partnership brings together complementary relocation, tax, and global mobility expertise to simplify domestic and international moves for individuals and businesses.

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vialto Partners, a global leader in integrated solutions for global tax and compliance, and Sirva, the world’s largest global relocation and moving services provider, today announced a strategic alliance designed to deliver a more connected, comprehensive relocation and mobility experience for individuals and businesses navigating domestic and international moves.

The partnership brings together Sirva’s extensive relocation and moving services global ecosystem with Vialto’s specialized expertise in tax and global mobility. By combining their complementary capabilities, the organizations aim to simplify the complexities of relocation, improve coordination across critical services, and provide customers with greater flexibility and access to the expertise they need throughout their journey.

Relocating domestically or internationally involves more than physically moving from one location to another. From housing and destination services to financial considerations, tax obligations, and immigration requirements, individuals and businesses often navigate multiple providers and complex processes. Through this alliance, Vialto and Sirva will help create a more seamless experience across the different stages of a move, from decision to destination.

Through the partnership, customers will have access in a digitally interconnected ecosystem to Sirva’s comprehensive relocation and moving capabilities, including household goods moving, home sale and purchase assistance, temporary housing, destination and settling-in services, and other relocation support solutions, as well as Vialto’s expertise in tax, immigration, rewards, advisory, and private client services, including specialized tax solutions available through Vialto Direct.

The alliance is particularly valuable for individuals managing personal relocations and small and midsize businesses that may not have dedicated mobility teams or established relocation programs. It also enhances the support available to larger organizations seeking greater coordination and efficiency across their global mobility programs.

“As global work and mobility become increasingly interconnected, individuals and organizations need access to expertise that extends beyond any single service,” said Mike Branca, Americas CEO at Vialto Partners. “Our alliance with Sirva brings together complementary capabilities to create a more connected experience for customers. By combining Sirva’s established relocation and moving services with Vialto’s specialized tax and global mobility expertise, we can help individuals and businesses navigate complex transitions with greater confidence, efficiency, and support.”

Expanding Support for Individuals and Businesses

Together, Sirva and Vialto will provide customers with greater access to complementary services and expertise across several key segments:

• Individuals and private clients: Vialto and Sirva have each established successful relocation product offerings for individuals and private clients, and this partnership interconnects both offerings digitally, giving Vialto Direct customers seamless access to Sirva’s global relocation services and Sirva’s Signature Moves and Home Benefits customers instant access to Vialto’s private client and specialized tax expertise, expanding the support available to customers navigating the financial and logistical complexities of global relocation.
  
  
  
  
• Small and midsize businesses: Through Sirva’s Talent Mover offering, businesses without large-scale mobility programs or dedicated relocation resources can access comprehensive moving and relocation support. The partnership integrates Vialto’s services on a global basis into Sirva’s product and Connect Plus digital platform.
  
  
  
  
• Enterprise clients: Corporate clients who select both Vialto and Sirva as their mobility partners will have the option to deploy an integrated digital solution that seamlessly connects the services of both companies and gives employees an enhanced experience. By connecting complementary expertise and the digital journey, the alliance can help organizations streamline processes, improve efficiency, and deliver a more consistent experience for employees throughout their relocation.

“At Sirva, our focus is on simplifying the moving and relocation experience by bringing together the services and expertise our customers need throughout their journey,” said Carlyn Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Sirva. “Our partnership with Vialto expands that ecosystem by connecting our comprehensive relocation capabilities with their specialized tax and mobility expertise. Whether someone is managing a personal move or a business is relocating employees, we want to make the experience easier, more connected, and less complex.”

The strategic alliance reflects a shared commitment to creating a more integrated, client-centered relocation and mobility experience. By bringing together complementary services, resources, and expertise, Vialto and Sirva aim to make it easier for individuals and businesses to access the support they need, reduce complexity, and navigate domestic and international moves with greater confidence.

About Vialto

Vialto is a leading provider of integrated solutions for global work, including immigration, tax, rewards, advisory, and private client services. Trusted by multinational organizations around the world, Vialto combines deep professional expertise with cutting-edge technology to solve the most complex cross-border challenges and enable seamless mobility experiences.

About Sirva

Sirva is the leading global provider of relocation and moving services, offering employee relocation solutions to corporate clients and global moving services to consumers. With 77 locations servicing 190+ countries, we offer an unparalleled global footprint backed by extensive product offerings and robust technology solutions that support organizations’ global and diverse workforces. From relocation and household goods moving to commercial moving and storage, our portfolio of brands (Including Sirva, Allied, North American, Global Van Lines, Alliance, and Sirva Mortgage) provide a superior relocation and moving experience to both corporate and consumer clients. Sirva is a flexible and reliable provider for relocations of any size, frequency, and complexity.

Media Contact:

FGS Global for Sirva

Sirva@fgsglobal.com

Infinite Global

vialto@infiniteglobal.com 

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Odisha on High Alert as Cyclone Ornab Intensifies; Heavy Rain Forecast for Three Days

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Odisha has stepped up its disaster preparedness as Cyclone Ornab intensifies over the sea, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast across several districts between October 27 and 29.

 Representational Image 

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the very severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh on October 28. The system is forecast to bring sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.

Although Odisha is not expected to experience a direct landfall, southern parts of the state could face adverse weather, including intense rainfall, strong winds and possible disruptions to normal life.

Red Alert Issued for Five Districts

The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Rayagada, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Gajapati and Koraput for October 28, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.

On October 27, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri. Rain is expected to continue in several parts of the state on October 29, with western and interior districts, including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Bargarh, likely to receive significant rainfall.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather advisories as the cyclone approaches the coast.

Disaster Response Teams Deployed

The Odisha government has mobilised emergency response personnel to strengthen preparedness in areas likely to be affected. According to the information released, 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 fire service teams have been deployed.

The Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have also been placed on standby to assist with rescue, evacuation and relief operations if required.

As a precautionary measure, schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Koraput will remain closed until October 29. Educational institutions in Ganjam district will remain closed until October 30.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has appealed to the public not to panic, assuring residents that the state government is prepared to respond to the situation.

Southern Odisha Faces Strong Winds

Meteorologist Dr Sarat Chandra Sahu has warned that parts of southern Odisha could experience wind speeds of 80–110 kmph between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, accompanied by heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

The forecast has prompted heightened vigilance, particularly in districts vulnerable to flooding, waterlogging, damage to infrastructure and disruptions to transport and electricity services.

Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, stay away from vulnerable structures and trees, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

With the cyclone’s movement and intensity remaining key factors in determining its impact, the state administration is continuing preparations to minimise risks and ensure the safety of people in vulnerable areas.

Guwahati Hotel Shootout: Property Dispute Suspected in Killing of Five, Accused Arrested

Guwahati, Oct 27: A suspected property dispute is believed to have triggered a deadly shooting at a hotel in Guwahati, leaving five people dead, including four members of the same family, and another person injured on Monday night.

The incident took place at Hotel Bilas Inn in the busy Bora Service area of the city at around 9 pm. Police arrested the accused, identified as Ghanakanta Gogoi, within an hour of the shooting, according to Guwahati Police Commissioner Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta.

Police have recovered a licensed .32-bore pistol allegedly used in the attack. Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and the events that led to the fatal confrontation.

Five Killed, One Injured

The deceased have been identified as hotel owner Helena Bharali, her brother Bhudev Bharali, her son Devarshi Kashyap, her daughter-in-law Riniki Kashyap and their driver, Narayan Das.

Four of the victims belonged to the same family, while Das was reportedly from their village.

The injured survivor, identified as Satyen Pathak, worked as the hotel caretaker. He sustained gunshot injuries and was admitted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, where doctors said his condition was stable.

According to the police commissioner, six people were shot during the incident. Five subsequently died, while Pathak survived with injuries.

Lease Dispute Under Investigation

Preliminary police findings suggest that a dispute over the lease agreement for Hotel Bilas Inn may have been the motive behind the shooting. The accused had reportedly taken the property on lease around a year ago.

However, investigators have yet to establish the precise sequence of events or confirm the circumstances that led to the alleged firing.

Police are questioning Gogoi to determine the nature of the dispute, the events preceding the shooting and whether any other factors contributed to the violence.

Commissioner Mahanta said a thorough and scientific investigation was underway to establish the facts. The bodies of the deceased are being sent for post-mortem examinations as part of the investigative process.

Assam Congress Questions Law and Order

The shooting has also prompted a political reaction, with the Assam Congress expressing concern over public safety and the law-and-order situation in Guwahati.

In a post on X, the party conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the state government to take immediate action and ensure accountability.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about urban security, while police continue their investigation into one of the city’s deadliest recent shooting incidents.

Further details regarding the suspected motive and the circumstances surrounding the killings are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

Odisha Steps Up Cyclone Preparedness; Over 3,000 Pregnant Women May Be Relocated

Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Odisha has intensified its preparedness for an approaching cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal, with the state government planning to relocate more than 3,000 pregnant women to safer locations to ensure their safety and uninterrupted access to medical care.

 File Photo

The preparedness measures were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by the Union Cabinet Secretary, where Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg briefed the Centre on the state’s response strategy and arrangements to minimise the potential impact of the cyclone.

Following the meeting, Garg said southern Odisha was likely to be affected by the developing weather system. Senior officials have been deployed to the region to monitor the situation, coordinate emergency operations and ensure that necessary precautions are implemented.

The state government has also directed the Electricity and Water Resources departments to remain on high alert in anticipation of possible power disruptions, heavy rainfall and other weather-related emergencies.

Special Arrangements for Pregnant Women

As part of the precautionary evacuation plan, more than 3,000 pregnant women are likely to be shifted to safer locations ahead of the cyclone. The move is aimed at reducing risks during the adverse weather conditions and ensuring that expectant mothers can access medical assistance when required.

The proposed relocation is a key component of the state’s efforts to safeguard vulnerable residents before the weather system makes landfall.

Fishermen’s Safety and Coastal Monitoring

The Coast Guard is closely monitoring fishing activities, while the state administration has taken steps to ensure that fishermen return safely from the sea. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and coordinating necessary safety measures.

Coordination with Chhattisgarh on Water Management

According to the Chief Secretary, the cyclonic system is expected to recurve towards Chhattisgarh after making landfall, potentially bringing heavy rainfall to the Bastar region.

In anticipation of increased rainfall and rising water inflows, Odisha has established a dedicated team to coordinate dam and water management with the Chhattisgarh government. Both states are maintaining communication to facilitate advance information-sharing, particularly regarding water releases from dams.

The coordination is intended to help Odisha prepare for potential increases in river levels and manage water-related risks more effectively.

With senior officials on alert and arrangements being put in place across key departments, the state government is focusing on precautionary evacuations, emergency response and inter-state coordination to minimise the potential impact of the approaching cyclonic system.

Sirva and Vialto Partners Announce Strategic Alliance to Deliver a More Connected Relocation and Global Mobility Experience

Partnership brings together complementary relocation, tax, and global mobility expertise to simplify domestic and international moves for individuals and businesses.

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vialto Partners, a global leader in integrated solutions for global tax and compliance, and Sirva, the world’s largest global relocation and moving services provider, today announced a strategic alliance designed to deliver a more connected, comprehensive relocation and mobility experience for individuals and businesses navigating domestic and international moves.

The partnership brings together Sirva’s extensive relocation and moving services global ecosystem with Vialto’s specialized expertise in tax and global mobility. By combining their complementary capabilities, the organizations aim to simplify the complexities of relocation, improve coordination across critical services, and provide customers with greater flexibility and access to the expertise they need throughout their journey.

Relocating domestically or internationally involves more than physically moving from one location to another. From housing and destination services to financial considerations, tax obligations, and immigration requirements, individuals and businesses often navigate multiple providers and complex processes. Through this alliance, Vialto and Sirva will help create a more seamless experience across the different stages of a move, from decision to destination.

Through the partnership, customers will have access in a digitally interconnected ecosystem to Sirva’s comprehensive relocation and moving capabilities, including household goods moving, home sale and purchase assistance, temporary housing, destination and settling-in services, and other relocation support solutions, as well as Vialto’s expertise in tax, immigration, rewards, advisory, and private client services, including specialized tax solutions available through Vialto Direct.

The alliance is particularly valuable for individuals managing personal relocations and small and midsize businesses that may not have dedicated mobility teams or established relocation programs. It also enhances the support available to larger organizations seeking greater coordination and efficiency across their global mobility programs.

“As global work and mobility become increasingly interconnected, individuals and organizations need access to expertise that extends beyond any single service,” said Mike Branca, Americas CEO at Vialto Partners. “Our alliance with Sirva brings together complementary capabilities to create a more connected experience for customers. By combining Sirva’s established relocation and moving services with Vialto’s specialized tax and global mobility expertise, we can help individuals and businesses navigate complex transitions with greater confidence, efficiency, and support.”

Expanding Support for Individuals and Businesses

Together, Sirva and Vialto will provide customers with greater access to complementary services and expertise across several key segments:

• Individuals and private clients: Vialto and Sirva have each established successful relocation product offerings for individuals and private clients, and this partnership interconnects both offerings digitally, giving Vialto Direct customers seamless access to Sirva’s global relocation services and Sirva’s Signature Moves and Home Benefits customers instant access to Vialto’s private client and specialized tax expertise, expanding the support available to customers navigating the financial and logistical complexities of global relocation.
  
  
  
  
• Small and midsize businesses: Through Sirva’s Talent Mover offering, businesses without large-scale mobility programs or dedicated relocation resources can access comprehensive moving and relocation support. The partnership integrates Vialto’s services on a global basis into Sirva’s product and Connect Plus digital platform.
  
  
  
  
• Enterprise clients: Corporate clients who select both Vialto and Sirva as their mobility partners will have the option to deploy an integrated digital solution that seamlessly connects the services of both companies and gives employees an enhanced experience. By connecting complementary expertise and the digital journey, the alliance can help organizations streamline processes, improve efficiency, and deliver a more consistent experience for employees throughout their relocation.

“At Sirva, our focus is on simplifying the moving and relocation experience by bringing together the services and expertise our customers need throughout their journey,” said Carlyn Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Sirva. “Our partnership with Vialto expands that ecosystem by connecting our comprehensive relocation capabilities with their specialized tax and mobility expertise. Whether someone is managing a personal move or a business is relocating employees, we want to make the experience easier, more connected, and less complex.”

The strategic alliance reflects a shared commitment to creating a more integrated, client-centered relocation and mobility experience. By bringing together complementary services, resources, and expertise, Vialto and Sirva aim to make it easier for individuals and businesses to access the support they need, reduce complexity, and navigate domestic and international moves with greater confidence.

About Vialto

Vialto is a leading provider of integrated solutions for global work, including immigration, tax, rewards, advisory, and private client services. Trusted by multinational organizations around the world, Vialto combines deep professional expertise with cutting-edge technology to solve the most complex cross-border challenges and enable seamless mobility experiences.

About Sirva

Sirva is the leading global provider of relocation and moving services, offering employee relocation solutions to corporate clients and global moving services to consumers. With 77 locations servicing 190+ countries, we offer an unparalleled global footprint backed by extensive product offerings and robust technology solutions that support organizations’ global and diverse workforces. From relocation and household goods moving to commercial moving and storage, our portfolio of brands (Including Sirva, Allied, North American, Global Van Lines, Alliance, and Sirva Mortgage) provide a superior relocation and moving experience to both corporate and consumer clients. Sirva is a flexible and reliable provider for relocations of any size, frequency, and complexity.

Media Contact:

FGS Global for Sirva

Sirva@fgsglobal.com

Infinite Global

vialto@infiniteglobal.com 

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Cisco Expands Partner Opportunity with New Cisco 360 Program Updates, High Yield Customer Experience Offerings, and AI-Ready Innovations

Enhancements give every partner a path to move first and fast in the AI era

News summary:

• Cisco introduces Ecosystem Deal Registration alongside new incentives and AI-enabled tools for partners to recognize and support our ecosystem at every step of the deal.
• General availability of Cisco IQ for partners provides new profitability avenues and growth opportunities.
• Expanded Cisco Cloud Control offerings provide partners with new ways to build, secure, and manage AI-ready infrastructure.

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AI is moving infrastructure to the center of enterprise investment, creating a critical market opportunity to modernize, scale, and secure the networks that power the AI era. To help its partners lead this transformation, today at Cisco Partner Summit, Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) unveiled new advancements across its partner program, customer experience offerings and technology portfolio, providing the tools and incentives required to capture this next wave of global connectivity growth.

Expanded incentives within the Cisco 360 Partner Program combined with the general availability of Cisco IQ for Partners address the demand for more agility and intelligence in the current environment. Cisco Cloud Control continues to bring it all together, giving Cisco partners, IT professionals and AI agents a platform where they can work together to connect, protect and run the critical infrastructure for the AI era.

“Our partners are where Cisco meets the customer, and the AI era is asking more of all of us,” said Tim Coogan, SVP, Global Partner Sales, Cisco. “Customers need partners with the agility to move first and fast. By combining the strength of the Cisco 360 Partner Program with Cisco IQ and Cisco Cloud Control, we’re giving every type of partner new ways to deliver that and be rewarded for it, from the advisor who shapes a decision to the partner who delivers and supports it.”

Powering an Agile Partner Ecosystem

Advisors, Developers, and Distributors increasingly shape what customers buy as well as how it’s delivered, and as the Cisco 360 Partner Program enters its first full year, the program has added dedicated paths for each of them. Additional enhancements span program experience, profitability and enablement for all partner types, empowering true ecosystem agility in the AI era, and rewarding the contributions of every partner.

• Ecosystem Deal Registration: A new way for Advisors and Developers to be formally recognized for contributions that lead to transactions, validating partner impact across the customer lifecycle.  
• New growth paths: Advisor and Developer Partner Value Indexes (PVIs) are now available and a new unified Distributor PVI will be available by Spring of 2027, underscoring Cisco’s commitment to measuring partner contributions based on the unique value their role brings to the customer.
• Evolution of Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI) Rates: A continued investment in partner value exchange, increasing ACV growth reward by 50% as well as a 2x increase on Adopt for all use cases, as well as launching new adopt incentives on Cisco IQ.
• Additional +2% Cross-Sell Bonus: An incremental +2% on top of the existing cross-sell rebate for Preferred and Portfolio partners expanding customer accounts into net-new Cisco architectures, including Splunk.
• Cisco IQ Adopt Incentive: Designed to reward Partner adoption of Cisco IQ to ensure customers are onboarded and integrated with their telemetry.

Additionally, enhanced partner experience resources are now available to help partners differentiate and expand their offerings for customers:

• Deal registration visibility in Partner Experience Platform (PXP): Automated, real-time insights to optimize pipeline health and enable partners to identify growth opportunities.
• Advanced Trend Analysis and Eligibility Tracking: New PVI APIs enable partners to optimize their business outcomes and proactively manage their performance.
• On-demand agentic resource: The One Cisco Content Agent (beta) makes it easy for partner sellers and marketers to quickly access approved Cisco content and customize value propositions for every customer tailored to specific priorities and industry trends, creating relevant co-branded presentations in minutes rather than hours.
• New CPI Deal Estimator: Empowers partners to model deal economics and optimize rebate yield across every opportunity.
• New OT certification: To reflect the growing convergence of IT, OT, and security, Learn with Cisco is launching a new Cisco OT Security Practitioner certification and releasing Cisco Modeling Labs 2.11 with new hands-on lab capabilities.

Cisco IQ: New Partner Opportunities for Profitable Services

Customers crave the ability to better understand their IT environments, intuitively identify risk, and quickly act before issues impact business outcomes. Partners need that same level of visibility so they can deliver more relevant, higher-value services to customers and propose modernization opportunities. Today, Cisco is announcing the general availability of Cisco IQ for Partners, empowering its global partner ecosystem to drive repeatable, high-margin growth across both managed services and reseller models. With more than 16,000 customers, and with visibility across close to 20 million devices since April 2026, the extension of Cisco IQ to partners provides new opportunities for growth after deal closure:

• Deliver differentiated managed services: With Cisco IQ MCP Server and expanded API access, partners can seamlessly integrate intelligence into their own professional services, workflows, and AI agents. This enables partners to instantly query customer estates so they can address short term risks like emerging AI-powered threats, while helping customers plan for infrastructure modernization.
• Secure, automated capabilities for Resellers: Through new Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in Cisco IQ, customers can grant partners direct, secure visibility into their installed base. This transforms resellers into intelligence-led partners who can leverage real-time data and APIs to operate at machine scale—spotting hidden network risks, eliminating manual exports, and proactively driving customer modernization.

Cisco is also introducing new Cisco IQ capabilities for customers and partners:

• New AI-Powered Quantum Safe and Software End of Vulnerability Support (EoVS) playbooks to help identify risks beyond routine patching.
• Priority Bugs & Software Conformance Assessments to spot outage risks, prioritize remediation, and scope upgrades or hardening services.
• Frictionless Cisco Cloud Control integration surfacing real-time risk intelligence, including quantum-readiness status, and enabling one-click action on at-risk, controller-managed devices directly within Cloud Control.
• Cisco IQ AI Assistant enhancements based on rich contextual real-time data with troubleshooting now informed by device diagnostics and Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) knowledge. Simplified TAC case management means you can create, close, and escalate a TAC case from within the AI Assistant.

“For too long, partners walked into customer conversations without the same view Cisco had. That changes today,” said Liz Centoni, EVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer, Cisco.

“With Cisco IQ Partner Support Standard, partners get that same intelligence under their own brand, delivered through their own experts. It’s their name. Their customer relationship. Their services practice. Cisco IQ is the engine. Partners are the business.”

Resilient, Secure, and AI-Ready Infrastructure Innovations

As enterprises scale AI agents across wired and wireless networks, they face mounting risks from downtime, visibility gaps, and identity-based threats. Cisco Cloud Control addresses these challenges by providing a shared, unified operations platform for teams and AI agents to secure and manage critical infrastructure across IT domains. To further enable machine-speed collaboration and automation, we are introducing new AgenticOps capabilities to Cloud Control, including:

• Model Foundry: A new platform service in Cisco Cloud Control for putting Cisco’s purpose-built models to work — discovering, evaluating, fine-tuning, and running them on your own data, all in one place. Model Foundry is also the exclusive home of Cisco’s newest model versions and weights before broader release. Controlled Availability begins with Cisco partners.
• ThousandEyes intelligence for trusted autonomous operations: Cisco is integrating ThousandEyes natively into Wi-Fi 6E and 7 access points, included with eligible Cisco Networking Essentials and Advantage licenses. With nothing additional to buy, deploy, or configure, always-on ThousandEyes enables automated background testing that is designed to validate application and network performance around the clock even when no users are online and strengthens customer trust in agentic actions.
• Agentic integration: Cisco is introducing Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers for its networking platforms, which act as a standardized bridge that allows AI tools to easily access live network data. This removes the need for partners to build and maintain complex custom connections, making it simpler to create automated workflows for tasks like troubleshooting and reporting, while helping IT teams identify and resolve issues faster by linking deep telemetry directly to actionable experience metrics.

“The future of infrastructure operations is agentic, and it requires a platform that combines shared context, purpose-built models, and clear guardrails. Cisco Cloud Control is that platform,” said Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco. “With the new Model Foundry, we’re advancing the state of the art in AgenticOps further. Enabling partners to fine-tune and customize Cisco’s models for their customers’ environments will make them integral to how their customers connect, protect, and run their infrastructure.”

To deliver the hardened physical and digital foundation required to connect, power, and protect mission-critical workloads for the long term, Cisco is introducing new resilient and quantum-safe innovations, including:

• Extending quantum readiness across wireless networks: Cisco is launching the industry’s first Wi-Fi 7 access point with quantum-resilient capabilities. This is the latest addition to the most comprehensive quantum-resilient networking portfolio, spanning wireless, switching, and routing, enabling partners to deliver quantum-readiness assessments and future-proof customer infrastructure investments well into the next decade. For quantum-safe communications with Post Quantum Cryptography over the air, Cisco provides Qualcomm Technologies-powered access points while the complete client-side solution is supported by an Intel Wi-Fi chipset and driver and Microsoft for Windows software.
• Expanded support for Live Protect: Live Protect reduces the gap between vulnerability disclosure and patch completion on supported Cisco platforms and releases. Live Protect is now supported on N9000 Series Switches, N9300 Smart Switches, Catalyst SD-WAN, C9000 Series Smart Switches, and CW9800 Wireless Controllers. Support on Cisco 8000 Secure Routers and Cisco Firewalls is intended to be available by the end of 2026.
• Privileged infrastructure access: Being developed in collaboration with Teleport, Cisco Privileged Infrastructure Access gives network teams and AI agents fast, governed, task-specific access to Cisco routers and switches, with short-lived, identity-bound certificates. Sessions are recorded, and privilege expires when the session ends.

Supporting Quotes

• “Ecosystem Deal Registration is an important step forward in recognizing the value partners like Deloitte create throughout the customer lifecycle, from shaping opportunities and defining solutions to helping customers realize value. By making these contributions more visible, Cisco is creating stronger foundations for collaboration and shared growth.” — Filipe Gomes Leonardo, Associate Partner – Cyber and Telecom Networks, Deloitte
• “We are excited about Cisco’s continued innovation and look forward to Cisco Partner Summit. With expanded partner access to Cisco IQ, we can build lifecycle integrations and professional services that turn reactive analysis into proactive insight. Together, we help clients manage risk, plan upgrades and get more value from every dollar they spend,” said Kevin Corace, Senior Vice President, Software and Services Lifecycle, Presidio.
• “As our enterprise customers scale AI workloads and high-density wireless environments, the network must evolve from simple connectivity into an active, self-defending platform. Cisco’s innovations embed industry-leading security and continuous visibility directly into the physical infrastructure our customers need. Combined with NTT DATA’s Agentic Operations, this creates an intelligent operating environment that can sense, predict and act, proactively addressing experience degradation and securing mission-critical operations before disruption occurs.” – Dilip Kumar, President and Global Head Infrastructure Solutions, NTT DATA, Inc.

Read more in our executive blogs:

• Cisco IQ is the Engine. Partners are the Business (Liz Centoni)
• Empowering Our Partners to Win in the Agentic AI Era (Steve Clayton)
• You Asked for More Money and More Time. Here’s Both. (Tim Coogan)

About Cisco

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.

Disclaimer: Some products or features described may be in various stages of development and offered on a when-and-if available basis.

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

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FP Markets: Healey’s first Budget puts Gilts in focus

LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UK Chancellor John Healey will deliver his first Autumn Budget on Wednesday at 12:30 pm GMT, giving him and Prime Minister Andy Burnham a chance to outline their tax and spending plans. Following Healey’s speech, the Office for Budget Responsibility will publish its five-year economic and fiscal outlook.

While there has been less frenzied speculation than ahead of previous Budgets, the backdrop is unquestionably challenging for Healey. Borrowing costs remain at multi-decade highs, public-sector spending is at historic levels, and tax revenues are at record highs. Higher energy prices linked to the US-Iran war have also eroded the fiscal headroom available at the spring forecast, estimated at around £20 billion – potentially reducing it to as little as £10 billion.

Burnham has committed to keeping the pension Triple Lock for this Parliament, but has announced plans to replace it from April 2030 with a double lock of inflation or 2.5%, subject to Labour winning the next election. Healey is also expected to follow the fiscal rules set by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who pledged not to raise income tax, National Insurance, or VAT. With key revenue generators shelved for now, Healey will likely focus on business and welfare.

Reports suggest the Budget will focus largely on business taxes and apprenticeships, and may also include a bank levy. The government may cut the health element of Universal Credit for under-25s – a move that could prove contentious among Labour MPs. A targeted cost-of-living package is also expected.

FP Markets Chief Market Analyst Aaron Hill commented: ‘For traders and investors, Gilt yields will be closely watched. In my view, the GBP’s reaction will depend on the driver of yield movements: a growth-driven rise (GBP positive) or a risk-driven rise (GBP negative)’.

UK assets will be in focus during the Budget. Fortunately, investors at FP Markets can trade CFDs on UK government bonds, a wide range of GBP currency pairs, and key UK stock indices, all via world-class trading platforms.

About FP Markets:

FP Markets is a global, multi-regulated, award-winning broker established in Sydney, Australia in 2005. The broker offers 10,000+ CFD instruments across seven asset classes, available on industry-leading platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and cTrader.

FP Markets’ regulatory presence includes the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa, and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kenya.

For more information, visit www.fpmarkets.com

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EZRA, the coaching arm of the Adecco Group, launches Loop – the first connected human and AI coaching experience

The first connected coaching experience pairs a dedicated ICF-accredited coach and Cai, an AI development partner that remembers conversations, priorities and organizational context to enable manager performance enhancement

ZURICH, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EZRA, the enterprise coaching arm of the Adecco Group (SIX: ADEN), today launched EZRA Loop, a first-of-its-kind fully connected coaching experience that combines human expertise with AI to help managers build the skills needed to lead in the age of AI.

As AI becomes part of everyday work, hybrid workforce orchestration is about redesigning work so people and AI agents each contribute where they create the most value and impact.

In this new environment, managers are under increasing pressure to lead change, navigate complexity and develop their teams. Yet coaching remains out of reach for most employees. EZRA Loop democratizes coaching: businesses can now provide managers with an always-on AI development partner that knows exactly when to loop in a dedicated, accredited human coach.

Denis Machuel, CEO of the Adecco Group: “As AI changes how work gets done, organizations need to bring their people along with them. Loop shows how human expertise and AI support can work together to make coaching more accessible, in the flow of work. This is an excellent example of how to leverage technology, while retaining a human touch, judgement and trust that only people can provide. In the hybrid – human-AI – workplace, it is essential to intentionally design how people and technology interact.”

Research shows that teams led by coached managers resolved customer problems 18% faster. Drawing on insights from more than a million coaching sessions with 200,000 people across its customers including companies like Microsoft, Spotify, Mastercard, HSBC, Eli Lilly and KPMG, EZRA found that AI and human coaching each excel in different areas. It noticed that AI support outperformed human coaches on task skills such as prioritization and goal setting, while human coaching outperformed on interpersonal skills like emotional intelligence and executive presence. Together, humans and AI, outperform either alone, driving a 37% increased chance of behavioral changes. 

This combination reflects a broader shift across organizations where the greatest value is increasingly created not by humans or AI working independently, but by orchestrating the interaction between people and technology.

To access the full text of the press release, click here: https://www.adeccogroup.com/our-group/media/press-releases/ezra-launch-loop-human-ai-coahing

About The Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent and technology expertise company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital engineering consulting to innovate and accelerate business transformation and empower organizations to optimize their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to fostering sustainable employability and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). https://www.adeccogroup.com/

About EZRA

EZRA is the connected coaching company that gives every manager a coach. Founded in 2019 as part of The Adecco Group, EZRA has delivered more than a million coaching sessions to over 200,000 people in 120 countries and 75 languages. EZRA combines behavioral science with 4,500 ICF-accredited human coaches and Cai, its AI development partner, to deliver coaching that drives behavior changes, leadership development and better performance. Companies like Microsoft, Spotify, Mastercard, HSBC, Eli Lilly, KPMG and ServiceNow rely on EZRA coaching. 

For further information please contact:

The Adecco Group Corporate Press Office

media@adeccogroup.com

Rodrigo Sánchez Flórez – Tel: +34 658 06 54 02 / Jürg Schneider – Tel: +41 79 876 09 21

r.sanchezflores@adecco.com / Juerg.Schneider@adeccogroup.com

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