Looking to bolster its AI data handling and storage capabilities IBM said it has entered an agreement to buy open source database developer DataStax for an undisclosed amount. DataStax is known for Apache Cassandra, the firm’s open-source NoSQL database project featured in its AstraDB, DataStax Enterprise software portfolio.

Last year, DataStax debuted a new enterprise-grade AI development platform that integrates Nvidia Corp.’s AI Enterprise software suite. It’s called the DataStax AI Platform, Built with Nvidia, and the company claims it’s one of the most comprehensive platforms for enterprise AI software development in the business.

IBM plans to acquire DataStax, the provider of database software and services specialising in Apache Cassandra.

IBM is buying DataStax and will add its cloud database development platform and RAG development tools to the Watsonx AI portfolio.

IBM’s planned acquisition of DataStax aims to help businesses unlock unstructured data, enhancing AI scalability and powering next-gen AI solutions.

DataStax’s AstraDB will enhance the existing vector capabilities of IBM watsonx.data, while Langflow will add flexible middleware capabilities to watsonx.ai, IBM said.