Gosh, I said so much in an earlier letter, and I don't want to repeat myself. However, I *do* want to participate, so I'll keep this short and sweet.

Thank you for your leadership, inspiration, and vision. Your instinct for doing what's right for the business, and your fearlessness to take smart risks, has allowed IBM to reestablish itself as a leader in the industry. You've also been a reassuring mentor for so many people who want to follow your lead and do the right thing. Knowing you were there gave us confidence to keep pushing for the win even when the mainstream wasn't sure it was the right direction to go.

I feel really fortunate to have had the opportunity to work on your team. Like all great experiences, I wish that it had lasted longer, but I'll take what I can get and value it --- I learned a lot. You've built a tremendous team who will continue to build on what you've started so, in some ways, this is not an ending but a beginning.

John, Keep doing great things, and continue to take pleasure in doing them. Thanks for everything. You will be missed!