In its first 100 years, IBM soldiered forward by dominating in America. But Big Blue's second quarter results -- particularly its strong growth in expanding markets -- show that the next 100 years will be all about global dominance.
Last week, IBM announced its Intelligent Operations Center for Smarter Cities, aimed at providing in one easy package a software platform for cities to use in monitoring and managing city resources. Trefis sees this as a potentially huge boost IBM's lucrative middleware business.
IBM shares soared 69 cents past their record high, set during the dot-com boom, to reach $139.88 per share before closing at $139.66 per share Monday. The rally reflects a slight market upswing and news of strong quarterly earnings from a competitor.