IBM to Voluntarily Comply with Informal SEC

IBM
                  

IBM announced today that it has received a request to voluntarily comply with an
informal investigation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
concerning IBM's disclosures relating to IBM's first quarter earnings and
expensing of equity compensation. The SEC has informed IBM that the informal
investigation is not an indication that any violations of law have occurred.

    CONTACT: IBM
             Edward Barbini, 914/499-6565
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