IBM Corp’s two Antipodean country operations, IBM Australia Ltd and IBM New Zealand Ltd are feeling a lot better, reporting a return to profits in Oz and increased profits in New Zealand. In Australia, IBM made a net profit equivalent to $68m compared with a loss last time of $96.5m. Turnover was flat at $1,244m. The year saw a growth in services, exports, software, mid-range systems and personal computer sales – it makes personal computers in Wangaratta, Victoria. IBM Australia’s improved performance came as a result of continuing gains in efficiency and focus on providing a high level of customer service, managing director Doug Elix said. Exports were at a record $380m, and revenue from personal computers increased by 25%. Unix workstations grew 22%. IBM New Zealand almost doubled itsprofit to the equivalent of $9.6m on turnover up 22% at $143m. More than half of turnover for the Kiwis came from software and services, there was a very positive launch of OS/2 Warp, and a large increases in sales of products in the Unix market, the company commented as it announced the figures.
