IBM booth tour
By Ben Drawbaugh 
posted Jan 12th 2007 5:49AM
posted Jan 12th 2007 5:49AM
After 10 years of absence IBM returns to CES and even after we visited their booth we weren't exactly sure why they were there. Sure they developed the chips in the latest game consoles, which they had on display. They also had a few other items like their Micro Drive and Virtual World software.
If I were IBMs CEO and this was my CES Booth, someone (or a whole team) would be fired.
IBM are at CES because they are IBM, these are the big guys in computers and although they work behind the seens alot like in games systems (they are an important part of a lot of current gadgets like the latest games systems).
Keeping the brand known.
IBM. Whoop-dee-(Yawn...)-doo.
"IBM. Whoop-dee-(Yawn...)-doo."
Are you 10 years old? Most of the companies at CES probably have paid IBM to use their technology in some form. You're right IBM doesn't make toasters, but I'm sure they have something to do with it. IBM outside of large servers, services and software are like BASF. "They don't make a lot of the products you buy, they make a lot of the products you buy better (via patented technology)."
"Are you 10 years old?"
Why, yes I am. Well, technically I don't turn ten til next month.
You're a very sensitive person. Are all IBM employees that way?
Oh, and thanks for the history lesson, but it's still a boring (yaaaawn) booth.
WOW those are some nice Sony TV's, and Sony PS3's
IBM is there for brand recognition purposes. Since IBM left the desktop market, most consumers are not aware of the brand, even though as others have pointed out IBM are responsible for A LOT of technology that is used in other products.
One example of this is that EVERY next-generation console is using IBM's processors. Think Intel and AMD here - yes they dont make products but think about what is in side your "IBM PC" ;)
weak booth. they need an exhibit designer.
you know, the booth looked fine. the point of the booth is obvious: "hey, we're involved in A LOT of the stuff you use, and you may not have known it!"
they're just ensuring people see that IBM is involved in a ton of consumer electronics, though they are often not in the spotlight. i thought the booth was purposeful.
IBM is boring. But then you don't turn to IBM for entertainment, you turn to IBM because you know they will get the job done.