[IBM itself is very positive about the recent quarter.] We achieved good earnings results despite a number of challenges, ... We have been able to deliver consistent financial results because of the breadth and diversity of our overall business portfolio, which is unmatched in our industry.

I would admit to you that we could take some credit, but there's a fair amount of luck in that too.

Services is clearly the largest and fastest-growing portion of the information technology industry, and we continue to extend our leadership position each quarter, ... Our software business continues to gain momentum.

Results from these areas more than offset revenue declines in some other segments, most notably our consumer PC business.

We are facing a number of significant short-term issues, including an uncertain global economic environment, ongoing weakness in some parts of Asia and Latin America, and continued price pressures in semi conductors.

On the positive side, our services revenue grew by nearly $1 billion and this business made a major contribution to the company's earnings. Our software revenues showed good growth and the software gross margin improved for the fifth consecutive quarter.

The next thing is: we can make IBM even better, ... We brought IBM back but we're gunning for leadership.

I think the visit is very important...very important for China and very important for the United States.

Our biggest constraint is hiring good people. The demand is almost [insatiable] and it's serious demand...very sophisticated demand.