IBM's alternative to layoffs -

Initially IBM announced around 1200 layoffs citing the current economic crisis. The employees in the state of New york were also affected by this announcement, but IBM had earlier received around $140 million tax cuts in a pledge to create jobs in NY. This contrary move of receiving incentives and still firing employees created rage among the residents, which resulted in the reversal of the plan. But, there is a catch:

"The company has created a job-matching service it has dubbed "Project Match." Instead of firing employees, IBM is trying to sell them on the opportunity to move to exotic locales, experience new and different cultures, and participate in exciting IBM business ventures across the globe—all for just a fraction of what they'd earn back home."

The options which had more openings are: India, Brazil and China. This model of relocation from developed countries to developing countries was not expected to happen so quick. But, the current situation has brought in too many changes to Globalization. Things are happening too fast in IT industry, quicker than Friedman's prediction in his book 'The world is Flat'. But, there is also a good possibility that this model of relocation could have been brought in, considering the number of foreign employees working in IBM,USA. Some US citizens may consider this option temporarily and may move back to USA when the situation improves.