IBM 2007 Annual Report Download - page 13

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The selected references in this letter to the company’s financial results excluding the Global Financing business are non-GAAP financial measures, and these
references are made to facilitate a comparative view of the company’s ongoing operational performance. Additional information on the use of these non-GAAP
financial measures is provided in the company’s Form 8-K submitted to the SEC on January 17, 2008 (Attachment II — Non-GAAP Supplementary Materials).
support the IBMer’s own learning and exploration
—
even if not
related to his or her current job. We are helping retiring IBMers to
transition to second careers in teaching, government service and
nongovernmental organizations. And we’ve established a program
called the Corporate Service Corps, in which teams of high-potential
IBMers from around the world
—
our leaders of the future
—
will
come together for one-month projects on economic development,
environmental and other problems in developing countries.
The underlying idea here is that individuals are in the best
position to make decisions about their own work, learning and
careers. This shift of control and decision-making to the IBMer
represents a very new relationship between enterprises and
individuals
—
and that involves a certain degree of risk. Sharing
power always does. But if you trust your strategy, your capabilities
and your people
—
and if you are confident that all are grounded in a
set of shared values
—
then this is the kind of innovation you pursue.
It’s one more example of playing offense in a very new game.
I’m deeply gratified that our employees’ reaction to the Global
Citizen’s Portfolio has been so enthusiastic. We are, for instance,
oversubscribed by thousands of applicants for the Corporate Service
Corps. IBMers have a very mature understanding of today’s new
environment. They know the world is changing. They don’t expect
—
or in many cases, even want
—
what business used to provide.
What they do want is an opportunity and some help to learn and grow,
so they can effectively compete on a world stage. This is probably the
single strongest reason for my confidence in IBM’s future.
As we enter a new era of technology, business and global society,
I am proud of the worldwide IBM team for bringing us to this point,
and I am grateful to you, our shareholders, for your support in
our journey. I hope and trust that you are pleased with how your
company is growing and evolving. My colleagues and I are excited
by the possibilities for how we, together with our clients, our partners
and you, can bring this remarkable enterprise into its next era of
leadership and discovery.
Samuel J. Palmisano
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
UÊUÊU
11