IBM is preparing for a no-deal Brexit deal by warning there could be a knock-on effect to businesses, including delayed shipments and changes to how data would be moved between data centres.
The company warned that if no agreement is made by 29 March, customers will need to be prepared to change the way they use IBM products and data may not be able to move as freely as it has been between the UK and Europe.
"Movement of data between the EU and the UK would be classed as an international transfer and would require us to utilise one of the mechanisms available under the GDPR to cover international transfer," IBM said in its report.
However, IBM said that it started adding EU Standard Clauses into client contracts before there was a possibility of a no deal so most customers will find their data transfers can continue happening even if an agreement isn't made.
The other major part of IBM's business that could be affected is the shipments of physical products, including components and assembled equipment too.
It said it's talking to its suppliers to try and alleviate any delays in getting equipment to customers and partners to make sure that there's a contingency plan should a deal not be arranged.
"Our current assessment is that there may be a potential impact to allow for additional import checks or as a result of border delays, but we expect to able to manage these within our existing supply chain," the company added.
IBM isn't the only tech giant making plans for a no-deal Brexit. Dell, Acer and Lenovo have issued similar statements offering their insight into how a no-deal would affect their supply change and data policies.
