Company: IBM
Date: 2008-06-12
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: current

IBM, while huge, has a unique ability to constantly reinvent itself.
Pros: Absolutely brilliant scientists and architects.  World-class technology in almost every field. Broad range of options to move around and learn different facets of the business.  Sensitivity to working parents who also have lifestyle priorities.

Large patent portfolio with an aggressive IP licensing, partnership and alliance strategy that spans all aspects of the business...from hardware to software to services.

Innate ability to find profitable markets in emerging countries, besides those which are well known, e.g. Brazil, Russia, India and China.  The company as a whole is extremely well-versed in fielding a global workforce to meet the demands in many of these countries.
Cons: Slow decisionmaking cycles, hampered by internal processes. Plethora of employees that add little value,  clog the company's arteries and slow the ability to make fast decisions.  This can result in IBM lagging behind smaller, faster, lighter competitors in terms of first-to-market offerings, however the net result may not be fatal.  IBM's client base relies on the company for strategic guidance and trusts the brand, reputation and service of the company.  Moving fast, while important in technology and critical for startups, does not carry the same significance at IBM's level.  As a result, IBM may initially take a fast-follower approach or make up lost ground through acquisitions.