IBM, originally founded as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company in 1911, grew into a global technology leader through innovations like the System/360, IBM PC, and Watson. Its history spans from tabulating machines to cloud computing and quantum systems, marked by strategic shifts and major acquisitions.
The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) is formed through the merger of four companies: Tabulating Machine Company, International Time Recording Company, Computing Scale Company of America, and Bundy Manufacturing Company. #business #history
Thomas J. Watson becomes general manager of CTR. He introduces the company’s first sales training programs and emphasizes customer service, setting the stage for future growth. #business #leadership
CTR changes its name to International Business Machines (IBM), reflecting its expanding global operations and focus on business equipment. #business #history
IBM introduces the Harvard Mark I, one of the earliest electromechanical computers, in partnership with Harvard University. It aids in calculations for the Manhattan Project. #technology #history
IBM creates the World Trade Corporation to manage international operations, marking a major expansion into global markets. #business #global
IBM launches its first large-scale electronic computer, the IBM 701, also known as the "Defense Calculator." It is used for scientific and defense applications. #technology #computing
Thomas J. Watson dies, and his son Thomas Watson Jr. becomes CEO. The younger Watson leads IBM into the computer era, emphasizing system compatibility and research investment. #leadership #transition
IBM opens its first research laboratory outside the US in Zurich, Switzerland, focusing on fundamental science. #research #global
John Backus and his team at IBM develop FORTRAN (Formula Translation), the first high-level programming language, revolutionizing scientific computing. #technology #programming
IBM announces the System/360 family of compatible computers, a revolutionary concept allowing software and peripheral compatibility across models. This becomes a huge success and defines modern computing architecture. #technology #computing
The U.S. Department of Justice files a landmark antitrust lawsuit against IBM, accusing it of monopolizing the computer market. The case drags on for over a decade, eventually dropped in 1982. #law #antitrust
IBM creates the 8-inch floppy disk drive for loading microcode into its System/370 mainframes. This innovation paves the way for portable data storage. #technology #storage
IBM launches the IBM 5100, a portable computer featuring a built-in keyboard, CRT display, and BASIC/APL programming. Though heavy and expensive, it foreshadows later personal computers. #technology #personalcomputing
IBM unveils the IBM PC (model 5150), using an Intel 8088 processor and Microsoft MS-DOS. Its open architecture sets the standard for personal computing, spawning the PC clone industry. #technology #pc
The U.S. Justice Department drops the antitrust case against IBM, citing changes in the industry. The decision allows IBM to continue its dominance without forced restructuring. #law #antitrust
IBM releases the PC/AT (Advanced Technology) with a 6 MHz Intel 80286 processor and 16-bit bus, becoming a popular platform for business and technical users. #technology #pc
IBM and Microsoft sign a joint development agreement for OS/2, a graphical operating system designed to succeed DOS. The partnership later sours as Microsoft pivots to Windows. #software #partnership
IBM launches the RISC System/6000 (RS/6000) family of Unix-based workstations and servers, employing POWER architecture. These systems target scientific and technical computing. #technology #computing
IBM and Apple announce a strategic alliance to develop multimedia software and network technologies, including the short-lived Taligent and Kaleida Labs. #partnership #technology
IBM launches the ThinkPad 700C, the first in its iconic laptop line. Known for the TrackPoint, robust design, and keyboard, ThinkPad becomes a benchmark for business laptops. #technology #laptop
Louis V. Gerstner Jr. becomes IBM’s CEO, leading a historic turnaround. He refocuses the company on services and software, disbands the committee system, and saves IBM from near-bankruptcy. #leadership #turnaround
IBM buys Lotus Development for $3.5 billion, gaining Lotus Notes and SmartSuite. The acquisition strengthens IBM’s software portfolio and collaboration tools. #acquisition #software
IBM acquires Tivoli Systems, a leader in systems management software, for $743 million. Tivoli becomes the core of IBM’s enterprise management offerings. #acquisition #software
IBM’s Deep Blue computer beats world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a six-game match. This milestone in AI demonstrates the power of parallel processing and symbolic reasoning. #technology #ai )
IBM acquires Unicom, a Danish software company specializing in meteorological and environmental applications, expanding its presence in Europe and data management. #acquisition #global
IBM buys the consulting arm of PricewaterhouseCoopers for $3.5 billion, creating IBM Global Services. The move positions IBM as a leading IT services provider. #acquisition #services
IBM commits $1 billion to Linux development, porting its software and supporting the open-source OS across servers and mainframes. This bolsters Linux adoption in enterprises. #technology #opensource
IBM sells its personal computer business (including ThinkPad) to Lenovo for $1.75 billion. The deal marks IBM’s exit from the PC hardware market to focus on services and software. #acquisition #strategy
IBM acquires Cognos, a business intelligence and performance management software company, for $5 billion to strengthen its business analytics capabilities. #acquisition #software
IBM’s Watson AI system defeats former champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter on Jeopardy!. This showcases natural language processing and question-answering capabilities, spurring interest in AI applications. #technology #ai )
IBM announces a $5 billion investment over three years to commercialize Watson, creating a new business unit for cognitive computing and cloud-based AI services. #investment #ai )
IBM acquires Kenexa, a provider of talent management and workforce analytics software, for $1.3 billion to expand its cloud-based human capital management offerings. #acquisition #cloud
IBM partners with Apple to create enterprise iOS apps, and with Twitter and other companies to enhance data analytics. These partnerships drive IBM’s mobile-first and cloud strategies. #partnership #strategy
IBM buys The Weather Company’s B2B and mobile assets (including Weather.com) for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition provides massive data sets for Watson’s weather analytics. #acquisition #data
IBM buys Truven Health Analytics for $2.6 billion to strengthen its Watson Health unit, adding healthcare analytics and claims data. #acquisition #healthcare
IBM announces its acquisition of Red Hat, an open-source software leader, for $34 billion. The deal aims to boost IBM’s hybrid cloud capabilities and is the largest software acquisition in history. #acquisition #cloud #opensource
IBM announces the spin-off of its managed infrastructure services unit into a separate public company, Kyndryl, to focus on hybrid cloud and AI. The separation completes in November 2021. #strategy #restructuring
IBM announces a 433-qubit quantum processor, the Osprey, tripling the power of its previous record. The move continues IBM’s leadership in quantum computing, with a roadmap to 1,000+ qubits. #technology #quantum
IBM acquires Apptio, a provider of IT financial management and optimization software, for $4.6 billion to enhance its FinOps and cloud services portfolio. #acquisition #cloud