IBM announced zero percent financing options for all of its Intel-based servers.

The limited-time offer runs through Dec. 31. In addition, customers taking advantage of the special financing on IBM's eServer xSeries can also purchase additional IBM storage and PC products and have them included in the zero percent finance package. In recent weeks, several U.S. computer makers seeking to spur sales of enterprise systems have begun offering special financing deals featuring either low interest or no payments for several months. Compaq Computer Corp., Dell Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Sun Microsystems Inc. are among the industry leaders offering such incentives. All major computer makers have seen earnings plummet due to an industrywide drop in hardware sales and a continuing price war; however, IBM's earnings have fared better than most due in part to the company's sizable services business. During its semiannual meeting with analysts in New York on Wednesday, IBM's chief operating officer Palmisano noted that 60 percent of revenues and 75 percent of IBM's profits come from the company's software and services division. Services are also seen as key in driving sales of IBM's hardware products. IBM's zero percent financing applies to 24-month contracts involving purchases between $5,000 and $500,000.