International Business Machines

About International Business Machines

International Business Machines Corporation, commonly known as IBM, is a global technology and consulting firm headquartered in Armonk, New York. Founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) through the consolidation of four companies, it was renamed "International Business Machines" in 1924. IBM is one of the world's largest and most influential technology companies with operations in over 170 countries.

IBM specializes in a broad array of technology services, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), , quantum computing, and data analytics. The company is also a major provider of infrastructure and hosting services, as well as consulting and implementation services. Its product lineup includes hardware such as mainframes and storage systems, and software products like databases, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and cybersecurity solutions.

One of IBM's most notable contributions to the technology world is the development of the relational database, the floppy disk, the hard disk drive, and the Watson artificial intelligence platform. Watson, named after IBM's first , Thomas J. Watson, has been applied in various fields such as healthcare, finance, and customer service, showcasing IBM's commitment to leveraging technology for solving real-world problems.

IBM has also been a pioneer in the field of corporate responsibility and ethics. It was among the first major companies to adopt equal employment policies, environmental conservation initiatives, and corporate governance standards. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its policies and practices, which support a diverse workforce and promote a culture of inclusion.

The company invests heavily in research and development, operating one of the largest industrial research organizations in the world, IBM Research. With numerous labs across the globe, IBM researchers have contributed to the company's substantial patent portfolio, consistently ranking at the top of the list of U.S. patent recipients each year.

IBM's business strategy has evolved over the years, shifting from a primarily hardware-focused company to one that is now centered around cloud computing and cognitive computing technologies. This strategic pivot is part of IBM's ongoing transformation, which aims to align the company more closely with current and future technology trends.

In recent years, IBM has made significant investments in hybrid cloud and AI, marked by its acquisition of Red Hat in 2019 for approximately $34 billion. This acquisition is a key part of IBM's strategy to define the hybrid cloud market and reinforce its position in the enterprise IT sector.

Overall, IBM continues to be a leader in the IT industry, driving innovation and transformation in various technology domains. Its long history of achievement, combined with its forward-looking approach, positions IBM to remain at the forefront of technological advancement.