There are thousands of ex ibmers who now in new positions have influence on whether IBM is awarded new business. Independent of how each may have been treated, they know of the dysfunction and poor performance that prevails across all sectors.
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And how could we not be ticked off? In my last annual review before being booted, I was told my skills exceeded expectations for my position. A few months later, my RA letter said IBM is transforming etc and some skills are no longer needed and I don't have the ones that are needed. But the skills needed are exactly the ones I have. Total hogsh#t. I was booted because of my age. And I know I'm not alone in this.
So I'll be taking my useless skills and using them elsewhere and most definitely will NOT be using IBM's fake products.
Was at an IBM both at a trade show and struck up conversation with a former IBMer. While we were talking he proceeded to take all the IBM pens that the rep was handing out just out of spite. It is amazing how IBM leadership has managed to tick off almost all the current and former employees.
I'm an Ex-IBM Sales Rep who worked in the Software Group for 5 years in North America. In 2013 the prevailing politics disbursed most of my pipeline efforts to others. My assigned account total was reduced and my quota was jacked up by 40%. Having a command of simple math, that I learned long before arriving at IBM, I bolted to a competitor. Based on where I live, I was assigned many of the same accounts I had at IBM. All I can tell you, aside from "sales revenge", it's been a beautiful thing having first-hand knowledge of how messed up things were/are within IBM. Putting my impartial hat on, I really don't see how they're going to gain market share. Gaining new accounts will be key to their survival. Their existing install base is eroding. Many of IBM's Customers have been developing strategies to ween themselves from their grips. With all the publicized issues and miss steps IBM has recently taken, why would anyone risk spending money with these guys? If any of you are Wall Street analysts, make a note from someone in the "sales trenches"; there's better cloud/software/hardware/services offerings elsewhere.
Siehe AMS in Austria
My god. I read that last reply in horror. Before I was RAd I traversed those or similar stalls looking for one that wasn’t soiled or wet with the urine of IBM dinosaurs. I also used to watch in horror as IBM execs outright lied about the capabilities of IBMs so-called analytic software. Claims of nonexistent ai capabilities were regular excretions.
I agree. I twist the knife every time I get the chance.
I am a former IBMer with 29 years experience. I now work for a competitor with several other X-IBMers. It is fair to say we never have - and probably never will have - someone defect to IBM. IBM's reputation is under water in these parts - and it is sinking fast.
I wish I could say we routinely move business away from IBM. The truth is: IBM is rarely considered by new customers. We just don't see them in competitive situations.
There is one place where I can make a difference: talking to college students. They say things like "IBM looks like a company that is going nowhere". I am happy to add "Looks can be deceiving. It is a company that is going backwards". If pressed, I can share true stories of how cuts, re-orgs and RAs have made the place toxic.
For me it is doubly sad. I started at IBM in 1970s. My opinion of first and second line managers from that era: smart, very well trained and eager to help everyone advance professionally and personally. Colleagues were inquisitive, inspiring and interesting.
WTF happened?
If you are being honest and fair and know the true issues with IBM service delivery , you owe it to your new employer to be honest. IBM is a dying company any way you want to look at it. What was once a great company has been pilfered by existing Senior Executive Management.
And who can blame them for not recommending IBM?
The bloat processes alone are enough to steer them away.
True. Friend of mine left to be a partner at a competitor. He was a band 9 at IBM, kept down by a horrible manager but respected among colleagues and execs. We have already lost business to his new company. IBM really needs to start treating people better.