The government market is losing an industry veteran. IBM announced that Bob Samson, former general manager of global public sector business, has moved to become Vice President of worldwide system sales in the system technology group. Emilie McCabe, former vice president of that group, took over Samson's post effective immediately. <P> The decision comes as a bit of a surprise, given that Samson only took on the role of general manager a little over a year ago; but history has proven that IBM likes to switch executives around after brief periods of time in corporate terms, arguably in an effort to best leverage their strengths. Samson spent five years during the 1990s in the public sector, first as vice president of IBM's North America state and local government business, followed by serving as general manager of IBM's North America federal, state and local government business. He then spent five years as vice president of worldwide sales for the Systems Group, though still with a hand in public sector, before returning as general manager in January 2005. <P> In his new role, Samson will essentially act as Bill Zeitler's chief of hardware sales. Zeitler is IBM's senior VP and group executive for the systems and technology group. The move, IBM insiders say, is a statement of Samson's salesmanship and leadership abilities, with the rationale being that he can replicate his success leading the largest segment of IBM business in the segment that does the most channel sales, but sees far lower revenues. <P> While Samson was not available for comment, he has frequently spoken about his adoration of the public sector market, which again makes this move an interesting one. "To me, the public sector is the most exciting area you can work for in the IT industry," he said recently. "The challenges they face and the innovative ways they solve problems are different than anything else out there. All of us look for that little sparkle that gets us up in the morning and gets us motivated; for me, it's the thrill of helping these customers change the world." <P>
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Public Display: Hot Scenes From XChange Public Sector Hundreds of VARs, integrators, vendors and analysts descended on the Sawgrass Marriott in Jacksonville, Fla., last week for XChange Public Sector. Here's a look at what you missed if you weren't there, from heated health-care and government discussion to just plain heat. |
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CRN 2010 Public Sector Awards: Meet The Big Winners CRN saluted four vendors and five VARs and integrators at XChange Public Sector in Jacksonville. Have a look at who took home the hardware this year, including Public Sector Integrator of the Year. |
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10 Burning Questions For The Public Sector Channel As XChange Public Sector kicks off in Jacksonville June 12, here's a look at some of the most pressing issues for public sector VARs and integrators, from cybersecurity and firm-fixed-price contracts to green technology and small business priorities. |
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