Directorate Change

IBM
                  

           James W. Owens Elected to IBM Board of Directors

The IBM board of directors today elected James W. Owens, chairman and chief
executive officer of Caterpillar Inc., to the board effective March 1, 2006.

Samuel J. Palmisano, IBM chairman and chief executive officer, said: 'Jim is an
outstanding executive, leading a premier global manufacturer of construction and
mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.
With his significant corporate experience and financial expertise, Jim will make
a substantial contribution to the IBM board of directors. We are delighted he is
joining us.'

Mr. Owens joined Caterpillar in 1972 as a corporate economist and subsequently
held various management positions, including chief financial officer. In 1995 he
was named group president, and in 2003 he became vice chairman. Mr. Owens
assumed his current position in 2004.

Mr. Owens, 60, holds a doctorate in economics from North Carolina State
University. He is a director of Alcoa Inc., and he also serves on the board of
the Institute of International Economics and is a member of the Manufacturing
Council, both in Washington, D.C.

When Mr. Owens joins the IBM board on March 1, 2006, the board will have a total
of 14 members.

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