Directorate Change

IBM
                  

         Shirley Ann Jackson Elected to IBM Board of Directors

The IBM board of directors today elected Shirley Ann Jackson to the board. Dr.
Jackson is president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Samuel J. Palmisano, IBM chairman and chief executive officer, said: 'Shirley
Ann Jackson's significant background and experience in technology and her
leadership at one of the most highly regarded technological research
universities in the world will make her a valuable member of our board. We are
very pleased she is joining us.'

Prior to becoming the president of Rensselaer, Dr. Jackson held senior positions
in government, research and in academia -- as a theoretical physicist at the
former AT&T Bell Laboratories from 1976 to 1991, as professor of theoretical
physics at Rutgers University from 1991 to 1995 and as chairman of the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 1995 until she assumed her current position
at Rensselaer in 1999.

Dr. Jackson, 59, holds a bachelor's degree in physics and a doctorate in
theoretical elementary particle physics, both from the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology. She is currently a director of the following companies -- FedEx
Corporation, Marathon Oil Corporation, Medtronic Inc., Public Service Enterprise
Group Incorporated and United States Steel Corporation.

Dr. Jackson's election to the IBM board is effective today, bringing the board
to a total of 13 members.


    CONTACT: IBM
             Edward Barbini, 914-499-6565
             [e-mail]