IBM, also known as “Big Blue,” is an iconic American multinational technology company that truly came into its own back in the 1960s with the IBM System/360 – a suite of computers designed to span the spectrum of applications.
However, their narrative of innovation hit a snag when the personal computer revolution emerged in the early 1990s. IBM stumbled, unable to pivot quickly enough to this transformative shift. In an unexpected turn, they realigned their focus back onto hardware, rather than pressing ahead with software solutions.
Innovation isn’t just about making great products; it’s about staying at the forefront of change, reading the signs, and being flexible enough to pivot when necessary. It’s about pushing the boundaries, about saying no to thousands of things so that we can say yes to the few that are truly important.
Despite their stumble, IBM has endured and transitioned over time to once again be a powerhouse in the realm of enterprise software. But their journey serves as a reminder that in the ever-evolving world of technology, adaptation and foresight are the currencies of success.