We strive to impact IBM today and to assure IBM has an exciting future. Products that are early technology leaders can garner a disproportionately large share of the market. They set standards and become the platforms for other's solutions. Products that are late miss this opportunity and have difficulty being accepted no matter how good they are.
Speed is critical for success.
The answer is balance. One of the most significant ways we create major wins for IBM is the rapid flow of innovative new technologies into our products. The shorter-term projects connect us to product development and marketplace needs. The longer-term projects connect us to new innovative technologies being created around the world. New technologies often come directly from our own internal exploratory programs.