Difference Between IBM and Accenture

Both IBM and Accenture are the global leaders in the information technology (IT) services arena that enjoy high global visibility. They are a professional IT services firm that aim to bring innovations to improve the way we work and live. The rapid escalation of Internet, social media and smartphones has created the IT revolution. This revolution is being led by global IT giants seeking to create value and innovation.  Global players like IBM and Accenture are at the center of this revolution holding a lion’s share of the global IT market. They are the top brass players of the IT arena and get covered by popular media not only in their home countries but also wherever they go. IBM is a multitasker with hands in many fields and more employees than Accenture, which on the other hand, is mostly an IT services company. Both are service-based multinational companies with an excellent brand value.

What is IBM?

Short for International Business Machines Corporation, IBM is a multinational information technology company with headquarters in Armonk, New York. IBM is one of the largest computer companies in the world that manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and provides hosting and consulting services for a variety of clients from manufacturing to utilities. IBM was incorporated in the State of New York on June 16, 1911, as the Computing Tabulating Recording Company (CTR), a consolidation of the Computing Scale Co. of America, the Tabulating Machine Co. and The International Time Recording Co. of New York. In 1924, the company was officially renamed to IBM. The company’s major operations comprise of five business segments: Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, Software, Systems and Technology, and Global Financing.

What is Accenture?

Accenture is one of the world’s largest information technology companies headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. As of 2018, the IT giant reported net revenues of over $39 billion with a global clientele and presence in more than 120 countries. The company originated as the consulting wing of the former Arthur Anderson accounting company back in the 1950s. It was spun off from Arthur Anderson in 1989 as Anderson Consulting. The split raised some internal political and finance issues between the two sides, which eventually led to a famous arbitration and a complete divestiture of Anderson Consulting, which became a separate company in 2001, and as part of the arbitration settlement, the name has been changed to Accenture. Also, Accenture had a successful IPO in the same year. Since then, the company has grown to more than 450,000 employees worldwide.

Difference between IBM and Accenture

Basics

– IBM is a multinational information technology company with headquarters in Armonk, New York. IBM is one of the largest computer companies in the world that manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and provides hosting and consulting services for a variety of clients from manufacturing to utilities. Accenture is one of the world’s largest information technology companies headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. As of 2018, the IT giant reported net revenues of over $39 billion with a global clientele and presence in more than 120 countries.

Origin

– IBM was incorporated in the State of New York on June 16, 1911, as the Computing Tabulating Recording Company (CTR), a consolidation of the Computing Scale Co. of America, the Tabulating Machine Co. and The International Time Recording Co. of New York. In 1924, the company was officially renamed to IBM. Accenture originated as the consulting wing of the former Arthur Anderson accounting company back in the 1950s. It was spun off from Arthur Anderson in 1989 as Anderson Consulting. As a result of the split, the name of the consulting company was changed to “Accenture”.

Portfolio

– Unlike Accenture, which is generally an IT services firm, IBM works in a diverse range of fields from computer hardware and software, cloud computing, cognitive computing, Internet of Things, data and analytics, commerce, mobile and security, and everything in between. Accenture, on the other hand, is a global management consulting and technology services firm that offers quality services and solutions in digital technology, strategy, consulting, technology, and operations. As of 2018, Accenture reported net revenues of $41.60 billion, against IBM’s whopping $79.51 billion in net revenues. The majority of IBM’s workforce is based outside of the United States.

Culture

– The work environment in Accenture leverage the latest technology and tools to promote a healthy and productive work culture that focuses on team-based activities. They frequently organize fun activities to help their employees relax while providing ample opportunities to grow. Plus Accenture offices support eco efficiency meaning they adhere to environmental design certifications to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. IBM is a very large company with a strong, permeating culture based on its core beliefs and values that perfectly aligns with business goals for leadership in the IT industry.

IBM vs. Accenture: Comparison Chart

Summary of IBM vs. Accenture

Both IBM and Accenture are service-based B2B companies that dominate the IT services arena. IBM is a large company with a diverse portfolio of products and services that span a diverse range of fields including computer hardware and software, cloud computing, IoT, commerce, Big Data, and everything in between. Accenture is a global management consulting and technology services firm that enjoys high global visibility. Accenture is successful due to the universal adoption of computers and software by hundreds of major companies, including Fortune 500 companies and Global Fortune 100 companies.

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