The Fall of IBM: What Happened?
When I grew up IBM was so dominant that it was almost a synonym of "computers". Almost all the "important" computers were IBM. Those who could afford the best went ahead with IBM.
Sure, others existed, but in the early 80s IBM still hired the best and was considered the best. IBM made laptops and all sorts of products that no company other than IBM could provide.
What happened?
Well, a lot can happen in 40 years.
IBM has sold many of its best brands (or product lines).
Then what?
Well, it bought a bunch of companies, adding their revenues to IBM's. This way, IBM thought, it would at least appear like IBM continues to grow.
Now?
Well, now it is cheapening the workforce, engaging in "creative accounting" (cooking the books), and buying shallow/misleading press coverage about itself.
To inflate the share price it resorts to vapourware, i.e. it makes false promises and lies to shareholders.
IBM cannot sustain this illusion that it's a mighty company hiring and retaining top talent.
Just like the EPO continues riding some old reputation acquired in the 1970s (and earned for decades since then) IBM relies on old myths like, "nobody gets fired for buying IBM." █