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Google Vertex AI vs IBM Watson Studio comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 4, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Google Vertex AI
Ranking in AI Development Platforms
2nd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
10
Ranking in other categories
AI Infrastructure (1st)
IBM Watson Studio
Ranking in AI Development Platforms
10th
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.1
Number of Reviews
14
Ranking in other categories
Data Science Platforms (12th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the AI Development Platforms category, the mindshare of Google Vertex AI is 14.0%, down from 20.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of IBM Watson Studio is 1.5%, down from 2.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
AI Development Platforms
 

Featured Reviews

Serge Dahdouh - PeerSpot reviewer
A user-friendly platform that automatizes machine learning techniques with minimal effort
We work with clients who request the implementation of a certain document into a chatbot. Because of the limited knowledge of AI, our task is to link that file to the ML and provide a platform that can work as a customer service. We previously used LangChain Phython, but now it is done through Vertex AI.
Abilio Duarte - PeerSpot reviewer
A highly robust and well-documented platform that simplifies the complex world of AI
The main challenge lies in visibility and ease of use. Providing training sessions can be immensely helpful in helping users navigate and understand the tool's potential. This approach would empower users to explore and make the most of the tools and technologies at their disposal. Another area where IBM could enhance its offering is by providing more visibility to end users regarding the vast potential that Watson offers.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The most valuable feature we've found is the model garden, which allows us to deploy and use various models through the provided endpoints easily."
"We extensively utilize Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform for our machine learning workflows. Specifically, we leverage the IO branch for EDA data in Suresh Live Virtual, employing Forte IT for training machine learning models. The AI model registry in Vertex AI is crucial for cataloging and managing various versions of the models we develop. When it comes to deploying models, we rely on Google Cloud's AI Prediction service, seamlessly integrating it into our workflow for real-time predictions or streaming. For monitoring and tracking the outcomes of model development, we employ Vertex AI Monitoring, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the model's performance and results. This integrated approach within Vertex AI provides a unified platform for managing, deploying, and monitoring machine learning models efficiently."
"It provides the most valuable external analytics."
"The monitoring feature is a true life-saver for data scientists. I give it a ten out of ten."
"Vertex comes with inbuilt integration with GCP for data storage."
"Vertex AI possesses multiple libraries, so it eliminates the need for extensive coding."
"The most valuable features of the solution are that it is quite flexible, and some of the services are almost low-code, with no-code services, so it gives agents flexibility to build the use cases according to the operational needs."
"Google Vertex AI is an out-of-the-box and very easy-to-use solution."
"It has a lot of data connectors, which is extremely helpful."
"The solution is very easy to use."
"The main benefit is the ease of use. We see a lot of engineers in our site and customers that really like the way the tools are able to work with the people."
"It is a very stable and reliable solution."
"Technical support is great. We have had weekly teleconferences with the technical people at IBM, and they have been fantastic."
"Watson Studio is very stable."
"IBM Watson Studio consistently automates across channels."
"The system's ability to take a look at data, segment it and then use that data very differently."
 

Cons

"I believe that Vertex AI is a robust platform, but its effectiveness depends significantly on the domain knowledge of the developer using it. While Vertex AI does offer support through the console UI in the Google Cloud environment, it is better suited for technical members who have a deeper understanding of machine learning concepts. The platform may be challenging for business process developers (BPDUs) who lack extensive technical knowledge, as it involves intricate customization and handling numerous parameters. Effectively utilizing Vertex AI requires not only familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch but also a proficiency in Python programming. The complexity of these requirements might pose challenges for less technically oriented users, making it crucial to have a solid foundation in both machine learning principles and Python coding to extract the full value from Vertex AI. It would be beneficial to have a streamlined process where we can leverage the capabilities of Vertex AI directly through the BigQuery UI. This could involve functionalities such as creating machine learning models within the BigQuery UI, providing a more user-friendly and integrated experience. This would allow users to access and analyze data from BigQuery while simultaneously utilizing Vertex AI to build machine learning models, fostering a more cohesive and efficient workflow."
"I think the technical documentation is not readily available in the tool."
"I'm not sure if I have suggestions for improvement."
"The tool's documentation is not good. It is hard."
"Google Vertex AI is good in machine learning and AI, but it lacks optimization."
"Both major systems, Azure and Google, are not yet stabilized, especially their customer support."
"It would be beneficial to have certain features included in the future, such as image generators and text-to-speech solutions."
"I've noticed that using chat activity often presents a broader range of options and insights for a well-constructed question. Improving the knowledge base could be a key aspect for enhancement—expanding the information sources to enhance the generation process."
"The initial setup was complex."
"The solution's interface is very slow at times."
"One area that could be improved is the backup and restoration of the database and the overall database configuration."
"Some of the solutions are really good solutions but they can be a little too costly for many."
"We would like to see it less as one big, massive product, but more based on smaller services that we can then roll out to consumers."
"Watson Studio would be improved with a clearer path for the deployment of docker images."
"I think maybe the support is an area where it lacks."
"One area that could be improved is the backup and restoration of the database and the overall database configuration."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price structure is very clear"
"I think almost every tool offers a decent discount. In terms of credits or other stuff, every cloud provider provides a good number of incentives to onboard new clients."
"The solution's pricing is moderate."
"The Versa AI offers attractive pricing. With this pricing structure, I can leverage various opportunities to bring value to my business. It's a positive aspect worth considering."
"IBM Watson Studio is an expensive solution."
"The pricing is generally reasonable and straightforward but can vary significantly depending on the specific workloads in use."
"IBM Watson Studio is a reasonably priced product"
"Watson Studio's pricing is reasonable for what you get."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
13%
Financial Services Firm
13%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Retailer
7%
Financial Services Firm
15%
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Educational Organization
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Google Vertex AI?
We extensively utilize Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform for our machine learning workflows. Specifically, we leverage the IO branch for EDA data in Suresh Live Virtual, employing Forte IT for trai...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Google Vertex AI?
They have different pricing models like pay-as-you-go or subscription model, and total cost of ownership. It is comparatively cheaper than Azure.
What needs improvement with Google Vertex AI?
I'm not sure if I have suggestions for improvement. Based on my comparison between the two, Vertex has various additional functionalities that Azure doesn't provide.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for IBM Watson Studio?
The pricing of Watson Studio is justified by the benefits and power it offers.
What needs improvement with IBM Watson Studio?
One area that could be improved is the backup and restoration of the database and the overall database configuration. There were also challenges with programming the network extension in the last p...
 

Also Known As

No data available
Watson Studio, IBM Data Science Experience, Data Science Experience, DSx
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
GroupM, Accenture, Fifth Third Bank
Find out what your peers are saying about Google Vertex AI vs. IBM Watson Studio and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.
847,862 professionals have used our research since 2012.