Last update on 2024-03-05

International Business Machines (IBM) Explained

An Overview of IBM: Its Business Strategy, Core Products, Major Competitors, and Essential Insights into its Role in the Information Technology Services Industry

IBM looks to be a part of every aspect of an enterprises IT needs. The company primarily sells software, IT services, consulting, and hardware. IBM operates in 175 countries and employs approximately 350,000 people. The company has a robust roster of 80,000 business partners to service 5,200 clients--which includes 95% of all Fortune 500. While IBM is a B2B company, IBMs outward impact is substantial. For example, IBM manages 90% of all credit card transactions globally and is responsible for 50% of all wireless connections in the world.

Current Business Strategy

IBM's current strategy focuses on hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence (AI). The company aims to leverage its acquisition of Red Hat to drive growth in the hybrid cloud market, while also advancing AI capabilities with Watson and other technologies. This strategy is designed to help clients modernize their IT infrastructures and applications, enabling digital transformation across industries.

Most known Products

Here is the list of the 5 most well-known products of International Business Machines (IBM):

• IBM Cloud: A comprehensive cloud computing platform offering a wide range of services including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS solutions designed for various business needs.
• IBM Watson: An AI platform for business, Watson provides tools for data analysis, machine learning, natural language processing, and automated reasoning, helping businesses to make more informed decisions.
• IBM Blockchain: A suite of blockchain services and solutions that enable businesses to deploy and manage blockchain networks for secure transaction processing and tracking.
• IBM Quantum Computing: An advanced computing system that uses the principles of quantum mechanics. IBM Quantum provides access to quantum computers and tools for researchers, developers, and businesses to explore quantum computing.
• IBM Security: A set of security solutions including identity and access management, information security, and threat intelligence to protect organizations from cyber threats.

Competitors

Here is the list of the main 5 competitors of International Business Machines (IBM):

• MSFT: Microsoft is a competitor primarily in cloud computing services (Azure) and AI solutions, challenging IBM’s Cloud and Watson products.
• AMZN: Amazon, through its AWS cloud computing division, competes with IBM in the cloud services market, offering a wide range of infrastructure and platform services.
• GOOGL: Google, with its Google Cloud Platform (GCP), offers cloud computing services and AI solutions that pose competition to IBM Cloud and Watson.
• ORCL: Oracle competes with IBM in the cloud services and enterprise software market, particularly with its Database services and cloud infrastructure.
• SAP: SAP is a competitor in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market, challenging IBM’s software solutions for businesses.