1.   Analysts said there was no single factor behind the weakness in the mainframe market.

2.   Because of an erosion of the mainframe market, as many corporate computer users have opted for networks of smaller machines, IBM has scaled back its mainframe production.

3.   But in the world mainframe market IBM is still as dominant as ever.

4.   IBM, which as recently as May said that the mainframe market appeared to be rebounding, declined to comment.

5.   The mainframe market is actually growing, Potts said.