IBM has flung a sueball at Jeff Smith, its former chief information officer, because he's trying to go to work for Amazon Web Services.
Big Blue filed a complaint [PDF] in a US district court in New York last week that says Smith threatens to violate his one-year non-competition agreement by going into direct competition with IBM as a senior executive of Amazon Web Services, one of IBM's main competitors in cloud computing.
The complaint also alleges Smith has already revealed some information to AWS CEO Andrew Jassy, violated directives not to retain presentations about IBM's new cloud, and then wiped his company-issued phone and tablet before leaving the IT giant, making it impossible for IBM to detect other communications with Jassy or determine if he transferred any other IBM information.
The complaint says Smith is one of only a dozen executives involved in top-level decision-making about IBM's next-generation cloud platform, has insider knowledge of IBMs security posture and was involved at the very highest level of internal discussions on IBM's transformation plan. If AWS can pick Smith's brains on any of those matters, IBM worries the cloud colossus will get an unfair advantage.
The filing says Smith's knowledge of its future cloud is critical, because those plans will help IBM evolve beyond its current status as a hosting-scale provider, making it more viable for IBM to match the cost economics of the market leaders. The filing adds that AWS is considered the market leader on cost and that IBM needs to be match it.
That document's assertion that IBM's current cloud can't go toe-to-toe with others accords with analyst firm Gartner's recent assessment that it is SMB-centric, hosting-oriented and missing many cloud IaaS capabilities required by midmarket and enterprise customers.
That may soon change, as the filing says IBM's new cloud is set to be launched in the coming year. Yet Gartner also warned its customers that history suggests Big Blue will struggle to deliver its next-gen cloud on time.
Perhaps that's why Smith was willing to go from being CIO of world-girdling IBM, a gig that's a big step up from his previous jobs in Australia. to being a mere vice-president of AWS.
New York attorney general Eric T. Schneiderman last year criticised non-compete agreements, saying that Unless an individual has highly unique skills or access to trade secrets, non-compete clauses have no place in a workers employment contract.
IBM alleges Smith has plenty of access to trade secrets, so it will be fascinating to see how the State's courts interpret the agreement.
Sponsored: The Joy and Pain of Buying IT - Have Your Say
See original here:
IBM CIO leaves for AWS and Big Blue flings sueball to stop him - The Register
- Box for Android - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- eUKhost - eNlight Cloud Hosting! - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing -- Oracle is Ready to Take You There - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Computing? - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Webinar - Cloud Computing: Why You Should Care - 2010-10-14 - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Hosting? - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Misconceptions and Benefits - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting and How it is Set to Change Internet Commerce - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Awesome Cloud Computing Explained with Animation - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Rackspace Cloud Race - UK cloud hosting - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Improved Cloud Service Delivery And Hosting | IBM - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Explained - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Software companies turn to Savvis for cloud hosting and other SaaS services - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Sky News Tech Report on Cloud Computing - Macquarie Telecom Interview - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- BitNami Cloud Hosting Demo - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Fully managed Cloud Computing solution using your current IT infrastructure (Closed Caption) - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting Server Provisioning - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting Provides Cloud Storage and Backup for new Branding Network [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Harris plans to stop offering remote cloud hosting [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting provides cloud storage and backup for new UK branding network [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- DynamicOps Debuts "Fastest Path to Cloud" Seminar and Webinar [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Harris Corporation to Discontinue Cyber Hosting Operation; Will Continue Providing Advanced Cyber Security and Cloud ... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Tutorial! Amazon Cloud Minecraft Server Hosting! - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- MachPanel 4.3 - SaaS and Cloud Hosting Control Panel for Windows - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Webair Carrier Neutral Cloud: Open Network Access in the Cloud [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting Takes UK Digital Media Agency Into the Cloud [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- FireHost Grows Executive Team on Heels of European Expansion; Appoints Jim Ciampaglio as Sr. Vice President of Global ... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- INetU Managed Hosting is SOC 2 and SOC 3 Compliant [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Web Host Webair Adds Carrier Neutral Cloud Services [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- FireHost Appoints Jim Ciampaglio as Sr. Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- BitRock CEO on BitNami Cloud Hosting - Video [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Harris kills remote hosting service as customers shun cloud storage [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Understand Cloud computing in 60secs - Video [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Systech Integrators® Forms Strategic Relationship With Rackspace Hosting® to Offer Cloud Hosting Services for SAP® ... [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Dedicated & Cloud Hosting Provider Codero Names Industry Veteran Emil Sayegh, President & CEO [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Cloud Computing and Technology Mobility - Video [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting Providers - Video [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- Online Education Innovator Gives Virtual Internet Cloud Services an A+ [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- SingleHop Introduces the Hosting Industry's First Customer Bill of Rights [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- Cloud Services Provider Intermedia Launches Integrated Partner Program [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Cloud Services Provider Intermedia Now Offering Microsoft Office 365 [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Inside IT Cloud Computing Security - Video [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Lansing Cloud Host Introduces Faster ‘Storm SSD’ [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Leading Industry Analyst Firm positions Hosting.com as a Challenger in Managed Hosting Magic Quadrant [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Positioned as Challenger in Managed Hosting in Gartner's Magic Quadrant [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- ServInt Announces the First Finalist for Its Inaugural Sextant Award, Recognizing the Most Effective Use of the ... [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- Leading Analyst Firm Recognizes Savvis as a Leader in Two Cloud-Focused Magic Quadrants [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- UK Cloud Computing Company iomart Hosting Recruits Scotland Footballers to Kick off New Campaign [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- Rackspace Hosting Positioned as a Leader in the Leaders Quadrant of the Magic Quadrant for Managed Hosting Providers [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- 4t Networks Offers Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 for Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- elchemyv2.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- Steve VanRoekel Keynote, NIST Cloud Computing Forum and Workshop IV - Video [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Enhances Backup Capabilities to Deliver Leading-Edge Data Recovery Solution for Businesses Any Size ... [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Online Tech Hosts Webinar on Cloud Computing in EHR/RCM Systems [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Enhances Backup & Data Recovery [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- ServInt Introduces Its New Flex Line of High-Performance, Fully Managed Dedicated Servers [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- Telefonica targets LatAm with business cloud [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- TCWH Announces New InMotion Hosting Review 2012 [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- Lokahi Expands Cloud Offering to Include Managed Security Services Through Partnership With StillSecure [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Eco Cloud Hosting IPv6 Ready with Web Application Firewall and Load Balancer - Video [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Private SharePoint Cloud Beats Other Cloud Hosting Options for Enterprises on Price, Practicality [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- Private SharePoint Cloud Beats Other Cloud Hosting Options for Enterprises, Says AISN [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- CaymanSecurity.com Introduces Secure Cloud Hosting Services [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2012]
- Storm On Demand Introduces Windows Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Citrix Streamlines Delivery of Cloud-Hosted Apps and Desktops [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Explained.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- AMD Opteron 3200 Chips Target Cloud, Web Hosting [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Understanding the Cloud Computing Stack: SaaS, PaaS and IaaS | CloudU - Video [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2012]
- Racemi Joins Rackspace Cloud Tools Program [Last Updated On: March 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 22nd, 2012]
- iNetRadio Adds User Music Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- Managed Hosting Company, OneNeck IT Services, Selected by Southwest Home Builder for Cloud Services [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Hosting? - Australian Cloud Hosting Providers - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- Courion Leverages NaviSite's Enterprise Cloud to Deliver Identity and Access Management Software-as-a-Service [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2012]
- TLD Solutions Launches Next Generation "4GH" Web Hosting [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- ElasticHosts unveils simple cloud web hosting for SMEs [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Rackspace Hosting 1Q net income up on higher sales [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- Infinitely Virtual Announces Support for Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Providing Cloud-Ready Hosting with Mission ... [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- Kore Domains Launches Revolutionary New "4GH" Web Hosting Solution [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- 4GH Web Hosting Europa Launches 4GH Cloud Web Hosting Solution in European Data Center [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Hughes Cloud Services & Hosting Showcases Its Comprehensive Enterprise IT Offering At ... [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2012]