IBM: Transforming a Transformation
Last week's announcement of a partnership between online file-storage company Box and IT giant IBM was the latest in a series of big announcements detailing IBM's ongoing digital transformation. On their own, these developments and initiatives are bricks and paving stones in what will become much larger strategic shifts, like the company's $3 billion Internet of Things division.
Marty Wolf looks at the path IBM is on and what it needs to do to ensure its success in today's cloud-focused world in a recent post on LinkedIn.
Even as the company looks to position itself to take advantage of what it expects to be the dominant IT trends going forward, investors and observers are questioning why the company consistently fails to achieve meaningful growth as it undergoes its transition.
And the company faces several roadblocks. Its net tangible assets are far below its peers in every segment, and it faces nimble new competitors who aren't burdened by 100 years of "legacy."
It has smart people, strong foundations in countless market areas and one of the strongest brands in corporate history. But unless it's willing to make tough choices, it needs an inside straight just to stay in the game - and it's hoping share buybacks will keep it alive long enough to get there.
For the complete story, and to respond with your comments, click here to read Marty's post.
To receive instant analysis on the day's business news from the martinwolf team,
follow us on Twitter @martin_wolf_ and on LinkedIn at martinwolf.