Big Blue Pulls Out Of Computer Show

IBM is pulling out of the world’s largest computer show because the company believes Comdex has gotten too big.

That, at least, is the reason IBM gives for not attending Comdex next year for the first time in the show’s 20-year history.

“We don’t think Comdex is the best way to reach our customers,” said John Bukovinsky, a spokesman for the Armonk, N.Y.-based computer giant. “Comdex is a good way to talk to customers about products, but not the best way to talk about solutions.”

A spokeswoman for Softbank Comdex, the company that produces the computer shows worldwide, said that while IBM would be missed, the company’s absence won’t hurt the premier show of the computer industry.

“Companies have to make their own decisions with regard to their own marketing programs on their own basis,” said Suzanne Lonergan, spokeswoman for the Needham, Mass.-based show producer.