The human(e) side of IBM
Timmy Magalang
IBM’s innovative technology is well publicized, talked about and used.
This week, I am not going to dwell on the latest specifications of an IBM solution but about the "other" initiatives IBM is undertaking. These initiatives are laudable and should be an example to others. Not only has it given technology a human face, it also paves the way in making our world a better and safer place to live in.
I am thankful to Mr. Manny Portugal, the Country Manager for Business Partner Organization of IBM Philippines, who acted as resource person for this interview.
People are still asking what is the line that divides IBM from Lenovo?
Lenovo acquired IBM’s Personal Computing Division and created a new, worldwide PC company, carrying on IBM’s enterprise-class leadership and bringing its PC technologies to the consumer market. This new company gives Lenovo, the leader in China and Asia, global market reach.
The new Lenovo has worldwide headquarters in New York, with principal operations in Beijing, China and Raleigh, North Carolina, sales offices in every geographical, and research centers in China, the United States and Japan. Lenovo is the preferred supplier of PCs to IBM, which continues to offer a full range of end-to-end integrated IT solutions to its enterprise and small and medium business clients. In return, IBM is Lenovo’s preferred supplier of services and financing. IBM still has ownership stake of 18.9% in Lenovo.
When did the alliance between IBM and Lenovo take place?
The strategic alliance was closed Q2 of 2005. Under the agreement, Lenovo acquired IBM’s PC business and the two formed a broad marketing alliance. IBM will sell the products of the new Lenovo business through its global sales organization, and Lenovo PCs will be integrated into IBM’s end-to-end solutions.
There are an increasing number of manufacturers that is getting concerned with the environmental impact of technology. What do you think is the reason? -
Vendors have realized the importance of going ‘green’, its substantial financial benefits and tremendous contributions in preserving the environment.
Can you please elaborate about IBM’s Project Big Green? What are its components? How big is the scope of this project?
We are investing a billion dollars annually in an initiative called Project Big Green, zeroing in on bringing about energy efficiency in the world’s data centers. IBM’s master plan includes new products and services for clients that promote energy efficiency. The initiative includes a new global "green team" of more than 850 energy efficiency architects from across IBM. We are likewise going green internally. IBM runs the world’s largest commercial technology infrastructure, with more than eight million square feet of data centers in six continents.
What are the key projects of IBM’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm in the Philippines?
-KidSmart Early Learning Program: This program is a unique community offering for child care centers and preschools around the world. Since the launch of the program, IBM Philippines has helped to enrich the quality of learning and teaching for over 120,000 children and 800 teachers & facilitators using KidSmart.
-Computer Eyes: This is an annual summer computer workshop for young, blind students developed and hosted by IBM Philippines. The program helps visually impaired students provide the necessary skills to function independently in today’s fast paced technological environment and has benefited over 150 student participants to date.
eMentor Teacher Scholarship: IBM Philippines spearheaded this Teacher Professional Development Program in Educational Technology with EduQuest, Inc, and USAID funded Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) to cater to all secondary public school teachers in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Lanao del Norte that passed the eligibility rules. peace in the region.
Next week: The Lenovo Interview
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