[_Jim]

IBM is offshoring IT, HR, call centers/customer support, accounting/finance, purchasing, payroll services. do you realize how many positions we are talking about if taken to the limit?

I look for IBM to 'go away' - as many big compamies are like to do - WHERE will those jobs be then?

End result; this 'out sourcing' is just a last breath move to keep the 'firm' alive ...

[oceanview]

IBM isn't going anywhere. They survived the PC revolution, which everyone thought would destroy their mainframe centric business. Instead, companies like Sun are the ones dying off. IBM is stronger then ever.