Bumping this from one of the subthreads... Sorry OP...
Layoffs is services are related to 2 things. The Redhat acquisition and the profit margin of the services that you provide. Being in GTS or GBS has nothing to do with it.
If your job overlaps with a service that Redhat provides, you will most likely get hit
If your job is on the lower side of the profit equation (20-25%) you most likely will get hit
If your job overlaps with a sector that IBM chooses to not play in anymore you most likely will get hit (lotus, commerce, rational, etc etc)
It’s all about lowering costs and boasting profits to an acceptable range. If you work in a “strategic” area, you can still get hit. If you are a high cost part of the solution, IBM will look to replace you with a lower cost solution It’s not rocket science, or essential personnel, or performance based. Figure out what you or your project costs. If it’s high, there is a good chance you will be targeted. The AI computer has been programmed, and it’s been Programmed to take out costs. It’s just that simple