International Business Machines passed Microsoft to become the world\'s second most valuable technology company, a reflection of industry changes including the shift away from the personal computer. IBM\'s market value rose to $214 billion (Dh786 billion) Thursday, while Microsoft\'s fell to $213.2 billion, the first time IBM has exceeded its software rival based on closing prices since 1996, according to Bloomberg data. IBM is now the fourth largest company by market value and, in technology, trails only Apple, the world\'s most valuable company. IBM began focusing on corporate software and services six years ago. Microsoft gets most of its revenue and earnings from the Windows and Office software used primarily on PCs.