They explained that more IT infrastructures are relying on modular code, or 'services,' to string together the ever-increasing number of applications between different types of computers in an automated way, based on open standards.

And in its attempt to produce a new breed of mainframe developers, Jones said IBM has worked with 300 universities worldwide to teach IBM's mainframe system.

He disclosed that IBM aims to train 20,000 new mainframe professionals by the year 2010. Yet, he said only last July, IBM had 16,000 students in training. 'So in about three years to go, we will exceed the 20,000.'

Jones said IBM recently recruited universities in Asia, one each in Singapore, Thailand, India, and five in China. He added they might also apply the program in the Philippines as they receive positive responses from local customers.

'If the customers would give us information, we're going to talk to schools ourselves. But I hope within a few months, we can get an agreement with, at least, one university here (in the Philippines) to proceed,' he said.