IBM is a Globally Integrated Company IBM is altering its management practices of the past to practices consistent with the competitive reality of today. The standalone operations that served local customers have been replaced with a global network of operations strategically located based on where the work can be best done. IBM has melodramatically increased the number of employees it employs in low-cost countries. Initially these employees were targeted for their low salaries however now IBM is also concerned about tapping the human capital of the abundant labour pool. There are some challenges with trying to manage 375,000 employees spread across six continents and IBM is using technology to help manage these challenges. The company utilization databases that contain profiles of employees that list their skills as well as availability to work on projects. This agrees IBM to create global teams with the requisite skills for a project in a quicker as well as more economical way. IBM as well uses overseas assignments to facilitate the global integration process as well as managers are expected to immerse themselves in the culture of where they are assigned. For Discussion How is IBM using technology to achieve its global operations? Conversation responses are subject to a word count for substance. Discussion responses must approximate 200-300 words