IBM Corporation is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Armonk, New York. It was founded in 1911 by Charles Ranlett Flint and Thomas J. Watson Sr. as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR). It manufactures and markets computer hardware, middleware, and software, and provides hosting and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology.
| Date of Foundation | 1911 |
| Industry | Technology |
| Country | United States |
| Founder | Charles Ranlett Flint and Thomas J. Watson Sr. |
| Product/Business | Computer hardware, middleware, software, hosting, consulting services |
| Number of Employees | 350,600 (2020) |
| Location of Headquarters | Armonk, New York |
| Company Website | www.ibm.com |
IBM is one of the world's largest and most influential technology companies. It is a leader in the development and manufacture of computer hardware, middleware, and software, and provides hosting and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology. IBM is also a leader in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, quantum computing, and blockchain technology.
IBM's products and services are used by businesses and organizations of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. IBM's offerings range from cloud computing and analytics to cognitive computing and blockchain solutions. IBM also offers a variety of services, including consulting, technology support, and IT infrastructure management.
IBM was founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR). The company was formed by the merger of three companies: The Tabulating Machine Company, the International Time Recording Company, and the Computing Scale Company. CTR's first product was the punched card tabulating machine, which was used to process data and calculate statistics.
In 1924, CTR was renamed International Business Machines (IBM). IBM's first major product was the IBM 650, a vacuum tube-based computer that was released in 1953. The company quickly became a leader in the computing industry, introducing the first magnetic disk storage device in 1956 and the first commercially available hard disk drive in 1957.
In the 1960s and 1970s, IBM developed the first personal computer, the IBM PC, which was released in 1981. The PC revolutionized the computing industry and made IBM a leader in the personal computer market.
IBM is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. The company has a variety of programs and initiatives to support and foster diversity and inclusion, such as its Women in Technology program, which provides mentorship and networking opportunities for women in the technology industry. IBM also offers programs to support employees from different backgrounds and experiences, such as its LGBT Ally program, which provides resources and support for LGBT employees.
IBM also has a variety of programs to support its employees' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The company offers a variety of benefits, such as flexible work arrangements, health and wellness programs, and financial planning services.
IBM is committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. The company has a comprehensive sustainability strategy that focuses on reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting responsible sourcing. IBM also has a number of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, such as its Women in Technology program and its LGBT Ally program.
IBM is also committed to corporate governance and ethical business practices. The company has a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that outlines the company's commitment to ethical business practices, including anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies.
IBM offers a wide range of products and services, including:
Cloud Computing: IBM Cloud provides a variety of cloud computing services, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
Analytics: IBM offers a range of analytics solutions, such as IBM Watson Analytics and IBM SPSS Statistics.
Cognitive Computing: IBM offers a range of cognitive computing solutions, such as IBM Watson and IBM Watson Studio.
Blockchain: IBM offers a range of blockchain solutions, such as IBM Blockchain Platform and IBM Blockchain Services.
IBM is a leader in the development of a variety of technologies, including:
Artificial Intelligence: IBM offers a range of artificial intelligence solutions, such as IBM Watson and IBM Watson Studio.
Cloud Computing: IBM Cloud provides a variety of cloud computing services, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
Quantum Computing: IBM offers a range of quantum computing solutions, such as IBM Q Experience and IBM Quantum Computing Services.
Blockchain: IBM offers a range of blockchain solutions, such as IBM Blockchain Platform and IBM Blockchain Services.
IBM is part of a larger technology ecosystem, including:
Microsoft: Microsoft is a leading technology company that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software, services, and devices.
Oracle: Oracle is a leading enterprise software and cloud solutions provider.
Amazon: Amazon is a leading e-commerce and cloud computing company.
IBM has been criticized for its involvement in certain government projects, such as its involvement in the U.S. government's PRISM surveillance program. IBM has also been criticized for its involvement in the development of facial recognition technology, which has been accused of being used for unethical purposes.
IBM has a long history of philanthropy and community involvement. The company has a variety of programs and initiatives to support communities around the world, such as its Corporate Service Corps program, which sends IBM employees to developing countries to provide support for local organizations.
Official Links to IBM Services/Products: