[HilbertSpace]

On close examination, you may find that their Research Division is mostly just a patent shop.

Likely their 'services' work is mostly just 'help desk'.

Likely much of what they are doing is what they did decades ago called 'facilities management' or 'service bureau'.

Likely for new products, they find a small company with a good customer list, buy the company, and have the IBM sales force include that company's products in the list of products available. That is, they don't really try to 'develop' such products on their own.

So, in many companies, the CIO can 'bring in IBM' and go play golf.

Likely a good CIO could give faster results, more innovative and valuable results, at lower cost. But not all CIOs are good.

[AlisdairO]

Don't you think it's a bit silly that you didn't even bother to include anecdotal data, let alone something more? As it is, it's just worthless unsubstantiated allegations. You could be right, you could be wrong, but your post adds not a single thing to the discussion.

[HilbertSpace]

Yup. But in this case I know all too well just what the heck I'm talking about, unfortunately. Hint: I live in Dutchess County, NY and for years worked in Westchester Country, NY.

Besides, the NYT wrote just a puff piece. Now just why would the highly self-esteemed, formerly highly revered, long pseudo-objective NYT do that?

Besides, what details did the NYT piece provide?

Wise up and appreciate a gift when you get it!