So this weekend, I read the WSJ (sub required) talk about virtual orchestras.
"...none has mobilized musicians more than the emergence of computers that can stand in for performers. Musicians have battled with mixed success to keep them out of orchestra pits in theaters, ballets and opera houses. Now, a new alliance of conductors, musicians and engineers is taking a counterintuitive stance: that embracing the science is actually the best hope for keeping the art form vital and relevant."
Then I read via Cringley the various comments to his speculation that IBM will lay off 150,000 US jobs in Global services in the near future.
The numbers make no sense. As its Global name suggests, some of the groups in the IBM unit today already have less than 20% US staff. IBM is the largest services company - twice as big as its nearest competition - with many long term contracts. As we move to utility models, scale matters more and more. It is not desperate by any means. What is scary is the way its own employees are reacting to the rumor.
In industry after industry, decade after decade automation has replaced expensive labor, or cheaper labor has. In that sense, IBM is no different than the much smaller orchestra. But markets keep expanding.
If I worked for IBM, I would focus more on IBM's awesome arsenal of assets.
The rumor that elephants are afraid of mice, is just a rumor. IBM is the king of the services jungle. No natural enemies. Other than internal fear, uncertainty and doubt.
