IBM Corp is fleshing out its recently-formed management consulting division by creating eight separate consulting units. Computer Systems News says the eight units are Worldwide Information Technology Strategy Consulting; Worldwide Business Process Re-engineering and Quality Consulting; Strategy and Research; Enterprise Alliance; Executive Programs; Practice Development; Linkage Analysis Planning; and Professional Development. Some commentators say that the new division will put IBM in the same marketplace as Booz Allen & Hamilton, McKinsey & Co and Computer Sciences Corp’s Index unit. But others are more sceptical and believe that IBM’s status as a hardware vendor limits its objectivity, something that customers expect from consultants. IBM counters this by claiming to be in the unique position of knowing what directions technology will take in the future – you know, how Series 1 will whop the VAX, the 8100 and RT will rule the world. The division is to be headed by Robert Howe, formerly with Booz Allen, and IBM is now bolstering the group by recruiting staff from rival consultancies.
