IBM Global Services Europe

ABOUT THIS COMPANY:

Blue is the colour

In terms of corporate recognition, few companies in the world can match the ubiquity of IBM and its stripy blue logo.  Having morphed from computer hardware manufacturer into globally integrated mega-corporation, the firm targets the point where technology and business collide, integrating its three main offerings—software, systems and financing, and services—to help its clients cope with the ever-changing demands of the global marketplace.  Consequently, separating out the tech work from the firm’s consulting arm can be something of a challenge, particularly as IBM seems bent on further integration of both its own key business units and the systems and business performance of its clients.  That approach can see the firm’s consultants recommend IBM (or sometimes non-IBM) software or systems to a client, further blurring the lines in the process.

Nevertheless, IBM’s Global Services unit does exist as a separate entity within the firm, and is itself split into two main units: Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Technology Services (GTS).  Together, the two regularly generate a little over 50 per cent of the parent company’s total revenue.  In addition to being the biggest segment of the company, GBS has also been the fastest growing in recent years, outperforming the firm's overall growth rate by between 50 and 100 per cent.  And little wonder: Its consultants serve some of the largest companies and organisations in industries including aerospace and defence, automotive, banking, chemicals and petroleum, consumer products, education, electronics, energy and utilities, financial markets, government, health care, insurance, life sciences, media and entertainment, retail, telecommunications, and travel and transportation.