IBM to milk the cloud

Cloud Tweaks.

Speaking at IBM's annual investor meeting, Palmisano remarked that cloud computing “is the next technical shift in the enterprise” and that it “represents about $7 billion of opportunity” for the company.

IBM recognised the opportunity in the field quite early, introducing its Blue Cloud strategy in 2007. With its portfolio of servers, software and services, all required in cloud computing, IBM is not wrong in expecting a windfall from the technology.

According to The Street, Palmisano also used his keynote to reiterate IBM's commitment to deliver earnings per share of at least $20 by 2015. This, he explained, will partly be the result of selling more software.

In a Wall Street Journal report, IBM executives touted the success of their long-term roadmap, saying the plan has changed the way the company operates and has helped it post record results.

The company has been operating under long-term growth plans since 2007, wrapping up one programme in 2010 and kicking off its new five-year plan this year.