Senate Concurrent Resolution 515

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVEMENTS OF IBM ON THE OCCASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

WHEREAS, on June 16, 2011, International Business Machines (IBM) celebrated its 100-year anniversary which is unmatched in the world of business and technology; and

WHEREAS, this respected company has reached this important milestone thanks to two groups:

· Clients who have placed their confidence in IBM's ability to assist them in meeting their challenges, and

· IBM's employees who have invested their lives into making IBM successful; and

WHEREAS, over the past century, the State of Mississippi and IBM have worked together to address many challenges as the role of government has evolved over time. They have provided infrastructure components which have supported critical state systems at Information Technology Services, the Department of Finance and Administration, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Employment Security, the Department of Health, the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Revenue, just to name a few. IBM has also provided similar components to other state entities like the University of Mississippi Medical Center, The University of Southern Mississippi, and the High Performance Computing Collaboratory at Mississippi State University. IBM's Business Consulting Services have been used by a number of state entities to enhance how government services to citizens are delivered. In addition, IBM's technology and services support numerous commercial entities throughout the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, IBM's Centennial is an opportunity to showcase what IBM has always focused on: making the world better through pioneering the science of information, changing the way the world works, and reinventing the modern corporation; and

WHEREAS, over the past 100 years, IBM has created technological discoveries that have transformed lives, from the first electronic calculator and programmable computers, to the chip powering the leading gaming consoles, to the Watson computer smart enough to battle champions on the popular TV game show, Jeopardy; and

WHEREAS, since its founding on June 16, 1911, IBM has continued to evolve and to anticipate the needs of clients and citizens around the world. IBM has always used the information revolution to improve the world by creating cleaner air and water, better crime-fighting systems for cities, and lower incidences of AIDS, influenza and other infectious diseases. IBM has continued to reinvent itself as a modern corporation through best practices around strong leadership, management training and global growth; and

WHEREAS, today, IBM continues to shape the world, investing $6 Billion annually in research and development to better serve clients and address their challenges. IBM's employees are developing the practices and discoveries that are creating a "Smarter Planet." These efforts include reducing traffic congestion and resulting air pollution; digitizing health records to improve patient care; improving access to and quality of education; enhancing surveillance systems to reduce crime rates; sourcing and managing power more intelligently; and improving access to quality water; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we note this landmark event in the history of a well-known business partner with the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend the business and technology achievements of IBM on the occasion of the company's Centennial Celebration and extend our best wishes to the management and workforce of this respected company on this auspicious event.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to IBM and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.