A mainstream giant goes countercultural; I.B.M.'s embrace of Linux is a bet that it is the software of the future

Article Abstract:

Under the guidance of executives Sam Palmisano and Irving Wladawsky-Berger, I.B.M. has begun retooling all its software to run in perfect compatibility with Linux, the free operating system based on the open-source code written by Linus Torvalds. I.B.M.'s Linux strategy is to eventually make its rivals' operating systems unprofitable. The strategy can only succeed if Linux does indeed become a viable alternative to Windows or Solaris operating software.

United States, Computers, Software Publishers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Usage, Computer software industry, Software industry, Product information, Operating system, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, Linux (Operating system), Palmisano, Sam, Wladawsky-Berger, Irving

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I.B.M. chairman's decisive cuts get mostly high marks

Article Abstract:

Analysts and investors are applauding IBM Chmn Louis V. Gerstner Jr.'s aggressive decision to take an $8.9 billion charge against 2nd qtr 1992 earnings and cut 35,000 jobs from the company's work force. Investors pushed up IBM stock $3.25 to $45.625 on Jul 27, 1993, the day Gerstner made his announcement. The announcement, which comes less than four months after Gerstner took over, impressed observers as a decisive break from IBM's history of deliberate decision-making. The chiefs of IBM's 13 units must now decide which employees and factories to cut. IBM senior VP Gerald Czarnecki says most of the job cuts will occur overseas. IBM employees were impressed that Gerstner spoke to them via the company's in-house television system before speaking with the media.

Leadership, Cost control, Cost Reduction, Work Force Reduction

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I.B.M.'s chairman does some fine-tuning

Article Abstract:

Chmn and CEO Louis V. Gerstner Jr reorganizes IBM's top management into an 11-member executive committee to increase cooperation among its divisions and eliminate excess bureaucratic layers. Eight committee members are career IBM employees, a signal that Gerstner does not intend to revamp the company completely. Most notably, minicomputer senior VP John M. Thompson assumes responsibility for both IBM's minicomputer and mainframe divisions on the new committee, while mainframe senior VP Nicholas M. Donofrio receives no seat at the table. Industry analysts see this as a sign that Gerstner recognizes the decreasing importance of both divisions in the emerging microprocessor-based, client-server epoch. In a related development, Gerstner is expected to name current RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp senior VP and Treas Frederick W. Zuckerman the new treasurer of IBM.

Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Reorganization, Committee, New Appointment, Financial Officers, Zuckerman, Frederick W.

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