Overall, IBM's numbers were good but not great. However, as noted, it shows just how well its model can perform in tough economic climates. Imagine what these numbers might have been if corporate IT spending was in a full mode of recovery.
HP and Dell should take a lesson.
Clearly there continues to be fundamental challenges at both HP and Dell, and none are quick fixes. Both companies must focus on finding new ways to grow their high-margin segments, which include networking and storage.
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