International Business Machines Corp (NYSE: IBM)

International Business Machines Corporation provides hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence solutions to help clients transform their operations. The company draws on its software consulting and infrastructure capabilities to deliver technology services worldwide.

IBM earns revenue by selling software subscriptions, cloud and infrastructure hardware, consulting services and financing arrangements to businesses across industries.

The company operates through the following segments: Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing.

• The Software segment develops and sells hybrid cloud platforms, artificial intelligence tools, data management solutions and application software that enable clients to modernize workloads and drive digital transformation. It also offers security and automation features that are integrated into its software products.

• The Consulting segment provides strategy, experience design, technology implementation and operations services to help clients redesign processes and adopt new technologies. It draws on industry expertise and IBM’s technology portfolio to deliver end to end solutions that meet business goals.

• The Infrastructure segment supplies on premises servers, storage systems and related hardware for private and public cloud environments. It also offers life cycle services that support deployment, maintenance and optimization of infrastructure assets.

• The Financing segment provides loans and leasing options that enable clients to acquire IBM hardware, software and services. It manages credit risk and residual value to generate returns while supporting customer purchasing power.

International Business Machines Corporation holds a leading or top tier position in each of its business segments. In the Software segment it competes with Alphabet, Amazon, BMC, Broadcom, Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, SAP and Splunk. The Consulting segment faces competition from Accenture, Capgemini, India based service providers, management consulting firms, public accounting practices, engineering service providers and niche specialists. Infrastructure competitors include Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Intel, NetApp, Pure Storage and original device manufacturers as well as cloud service providers. Financing rivals are non captive financing entities and traditional financial institutions. IBM’s competitive advantages stem from technology innovation, product performance, pricing, quality, brand strength, breadth of offerings, skilled talent, deep client relationships and the ability to deliver measurable business value.

IBM serves a diverse set of clients that includes large enterprises, mid size companies, government agencies and educational institutions across many industries. These customers rely on the company’s hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence and infrastructure solutions to improve efficiency and drive innovation.