IBM puts revised workhorse centerstage
Article Abstract:
IBM plans to launch a $90 million advertisement campaign in magazines, television, the World Wide Web and airlines for the IBM AS/400 midrange computer that has served big companies for many years. IBM is reintroducing the machine as the AS/400e series Web server that can handle all aspects of e-commerce. The updated computers will perform better and cost about 50% of the older models, with the low-end models selling for about $8,000. IBM is targeting new clients such as small businesses, who might be thinking that midrange systems are too expensive for their use. The company has contracted 10 airlines including Delta, British Air and Japan Airlines to run in-flight commercials showing testimonials from users such as Tokyo's Hotel Akura chain. IBM will also place full-page advertisements in business magazines and newspapers and start a TV advertisement campaign promoting IBM as the company that is best equipped to manage e-commerce.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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IBM names two executives to top committee
Article Abstract:
IBM has named Abby Kohnstamm and James Vanderslice to its executive committee, which plans strategy for and manages the company. Kohnstamm, new senior vice pres of corporate marketing, is the only woman on the 13-member committee. The 44-year-old Kohnstamm has received credit for elevating IBM's image as a popular advertiser that offers insight into the Internet-driven world. Vanderslice will direct the newly-organized technology group, which aims to boost sales to other companies that were previously handled by several IBM subsidiaries. The centralized group will sell products such as computer chips, disk drives, large printers and liquid-crystal display screens. Annual sales in this area, which totaled around $7 billion in 1997, or approximately 9% of IBM's $78.5 billion in sales for that period, have been growing at a 44% rate each year.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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IBM initiates buyout plan for employees
Article Abstract:
IBM has implemented a voluntary job-buyout plan for most of its 241,000 employees around the world. The plan is part of an attempt to cut costs in poorly performing divisions, such as midrange computers and software, while growing businesses, such as computer services, are prospering. The company is struggling to meet its growth and overall profit objectives, while attempting to move toward high-growth opportunities such as the Internet. Analysts expect IBM to continue its trend of hiring employees in one division while downsizing other parts of the company. The job-buyout plan was initiated based on executive's belief that IBM's infrastructure was too large. The buyout packages will include between eight and 26 weeks of pay as well as early retirement options.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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