I would hate to be the IBM Russia GM
17 replies (most recent on top)
AFAIK, IBM did not sell technology in Russia prior to this terribly war. However, IBM sold technology via business partners, to not having to deal directly with Russian "red tape" in the form of bribery and corruption.
I hope IBM also stops selling technology to business partners who deals more directly with Russian IBM clients?
I also hope IBM stops supplying fixes to Mainframe microcode and SW, including security patches?
Can others please chime in and shed some light on this?
From AK and shared on LinkedIn yesterday, March 3, 2022.
Yesterday I spoke with IBMers from around the world about the tragedy of the war in Ukraine — and I'd like to acknowledge that the correct word to use is "war" not "conflict." IBM does not condone violence or acts of aggression, and we condemn the Russian war in Ukraine.
I want to share some of the actions the company has taken to protect and support IBMers impacted by the crisis, and to be clear that we are not selling technology in Russia.
The safety and security of IBMers is at the heart of all our decisions and our top priority is IBMers and their families in the impacted regions. For more than a month, we have been in constant contact with our local teams to provide relocation assistance, financial support and other forms of direct engagement.
Well before the war began, we offered IBMers in Ukraine and their families the opportunity to relocate at the company's expense. Many of them have been able to safely move into neighboring countries. We are also working to support and protect IBMers in Russia, who are subject to their own rules and laws.
The full resources of our company, including mental health assistance, are engaged in support of all IBMers, and any employee in need can count on the company for help.
In addition to not selling technology in Russia, we do not do business with Russian military organizations. Finally, we have heard the passion and concern of IBMers who want to help, and we are encouraging them to make donations to the International Red Cross. IBM is matching those employee donations.
IBMers around the world remain unified in our hope that peace can be quickly restored. We commend world leaders who have acted decisively in hopes of expediting an end to this war.
Thank you, Arvind
The following message was shared with IBMers worldwide on Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Supporting IBMers Amid the Ukraine/Russia Crisis
IBM has for weeks been monitoring and implementing plans in response to the deteriorating situation involving Ukraine and Russia.
Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of IBMers and their families in all of the impacted regions. We have been in constant touch with our local teams and have provided assistance including relocation and financial support. The full resources of our company are engaged in support of our teams, and any IBMer in need of help will get it.
Teams are also working through the impacts of evolving international sanctions and what they mean for IBM and our business. While the situation is dynamic, IBM will always follow the law.
IBMers around the world are unified in our hope that peace can be quickly restored. We commend world leaders who have acted quickly and decisively in hopes of expediting an end to this crisis.
Finally, we have heard the passion and concern of IBMers who want to help, and who want to know what steps our company is taking. We encourage IBMers to make a donation to the International Red Cross. IBM will match employee donations to the IRC.
We will of course continue monitoring events as they unfold and will share further updates as needed.
IBM took Na-i money so everything after that should be of no surprise to anyone
I'm as cynical as any IBMer, especially after yesterday's AMA with Arvind.
But let's really think about this critically. IBM equipment, processes and services have been at the very foundation of how the world processes transactions for as long as modern electronic transactions have existed.
I'm betting that the US Dept of State and the Biden administration have been in close touch with US companies operating overseas, and they're watching what is being done and not done. IBM is part of a group of strategically important entities that help secure national security interests of the US (opinion only).
I think IBM is doing exactly what US security interests have asked it to do (or not do).
I hope AK noticed that Boeing and Airbus decided to halt the supply of spare parts and service.
Many other similar examples of Multinational companies assisting in isolating Russia.
IBM, your turn now!
From IBM's website:
"Feb 28, 2022: An update on the Russia/Ukraine situation
IBM is closely monitoring the Russia/Ukraine situation and is taking action to protect its internal operations and to continue delivery of products and services to customers worldwide.
We are following recommendations of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), including heightened levels of network and threat monitoring.
Our teams are staffed and prepared to respond quickly to any detected anomalies. Business Continuity plans are in place and are activated as appropriate in anticipation of and reaction to emerging events."
That is not making much sense to me. Can someone help interpret this?
I would imagine that there are a lot of mainframes being used over there. IBM could certainly help out by stopping to sell more or support those. That would have a major impact. Where is AK on this? Trying to salvage his quarterly #'s?
In line with other large companies across the globe one can only hope that IBM will announce that they will cease supplying HW, SW and services to Russia. That should also include IBM Mainframes and other servers. Future upgrades etc. should be banned.
Knowing IBM, they will probably not do this before someone spells it out for them?
I assume, immediately Russia is put a designated list of countries IBM do not deal with either directly or indirectly. Russia is no longer any different than Syria for instance.
Personal attacks will get you blocked here. I'd say don't do it, no matter how right you are or feel you are.
Attacking individuals personally is no way to express your feelings about this situation. Everyone with any connection to it is in a high emotional state right now. Having the community members get aggressive with their fellow community members only makes things worse.
Nationalistic attacks aren't allowed either, there should be no collective punishment .
It's hard to stay tolerant in the presence of strong feelings, but that's what commenters here are asked to do - and if anyone can't do it, they should refrain from posting until they can.
I imagine IBM Russia will be just fine. I hear Putin is in need of some state of the art Cyber defense software and equipment. But I'm sure IBM will sell him what they have.
I wonder how many pennies per share that will be worth?
IBM has some development done in Ukraine... I am hearing that these projects are all in jeopardy and will obviously affect delivery going forward. Another great strategy from the IBM Execs...
corrupt af Ukraine support centers
You sound like one of those gullible misinformed Russians.
what happens to IBM Belarus?
I pray for the Ukranian IBMers.
corrupt af Ukraine support centers
pray tell?
What about the corrupt af Ukraine support centers?
How many clients have Ukrainians minding their data?