IBM beats earnings estimates as its $7.8 billion software empire helps revive growth

IBM exceeded Wall Street's earnings expectations for the third quarter on Wednesday, October 21, thanks to the company's $7.8 billion software unit, which saw revenues rise 5 percent to $17.1 billion. Financial analysts had predicted IBM would earn revenues of $16.82 billion and earnings of $2.86 per share. Investors weren't particularly impressed, though. Shares slipped. . .