Thinkpad: A Different Shade of Blue

ThinkPad: A Different Shade of Blue tells the exciting inside story behind the creation of one of the most successful brand names in computing. Through interviews with the ThinkPad Team and IBM executives, and access to internal documents and memoranda, the book provides a rare inside view into the workings of an IBM brand team. Here is the inside scoop on the cultural and personality differences that almost killed one of the most significant development efforts in IBM history. More importantly, it offers valuable lessons on what it takes to build a world-class, enduring brand or product.

J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D is the President of Mobile Insights, Inc. , a professional services firm. Dr. Purdy has focused on mobile products and markets since 1986, and is a recognized authority in the mobile computing industry. He is often quoted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, PC Week, InfoWorld and the New York Times. As a mobile computing consultant, Dr. Purdy has given insight and advice to clients such as 3Com, Apple, AT&T, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, IBM, Microsoft, NEC, Motorola, and Toshiba. Dr. Purdy is a member of the IBM Mobile Computing Industry Advisory Council, Dell Industry Advisory Council, AT&T wireless Analysts Council, and the NEC Analysis Exchange. Debi Dell has participated in many of IBM's ventures into the personal computing market during her 18 year career, and has developed and implemented Worldwide branding programs for a variety of IBM hardware and software products. As an original member of the ThinkPad Team, Debi conducted global marketing research and focus groups, to create the ThinkPad customer experience. She is currently the IBM U.S. Nation Practice Leader developing IBM Global Services for the growing mobile and wireless market.