IBM was on the precipice of destruction in the 90s; it nearly broke up into several smaller companies in an act of desperation. I think this is what the author

IBM was on the precipice of destruction in the 90s; it nearly broke up into several smaller companies in an act of desperation. I think this is what the author is referring to. It was only through an awkward shift from software/hardware development to services that they kept their neck above water.