A conversation with IBM’s top intellectual property lawyer - Scobleizer

"The answer to your last question reinforces my opinion that in key positions Microsoft hires people who ACT smart, while IBM hires people who ARE smart. This guy described the IP system with complete clarity and honesty and drives at the issues it faces without even a hint of how this might adversely affect IBM. While IBM doesn’t always execute well, and has its fair share of mediocre middle managers, they continue to have a corporate philosophy that looks beyond the next contract closing. That shows in both their R&D efforts and in their approach to OSS, as witnessed here. IBM is a mature company, while I wonder if Microsoft is capable of maturing. This issue of globalisation coupled with IP may be the deciding factor."