Definition
IBM, or International Business Machines Corporation, is a multinational corporation that focuses on the manufacturing and sale of computer hardware, software, and equipment for business solutions. The company originated in 1911 from the merger of three companies involved in the creation of record-keeping equipment. One of the most notable was the Tabulating Machine Company, founded by Herman Hollerith, who invented the punch card data processing technology.
Examples
- Mainframes: IBM is renowned for its mainframe computers, which are large, powerful systems used in enterprise environments.
- Cloud Solutions: IBM Cloud offers a variety of cloud services, including IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service).
- Artificial Intelligence: IBM’s Watson is a leading artificial intelligence platform that provides analytics and cognitive capabilities across various industries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did IBM start?
IBM was formed in 1911 by merging three companies: the Tabulating Machine Company, the International Time Recording Company, and the Computing Scale Company of America. The company was initially called the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) before being renamed IBM in 1924.
What is punch card technology?
Punch card technology involves cards with holes punched in predefined positions representing data. IBM’s early business relied heavily on this technology, which Herman Hollerith developed for the 1890 U.S. Census.
What is IBM Watson?
IBM Watson is an artificial intelligence system capable of answering questions posed in natural language. Named after IBM’s founder, Watson was initially developed for playing the quiz show Jeopardy! but has since evolved to provide business solutions in healthcare, finance, legal, and more.
How has IBM contributed to the computer industry?
IBM has pioneered numerous advancements including the development of the IBM PC, the introduction of hard disk drives, and significant contributions to mainframe computing and enterprise IT solutions.
What are IBM’s primary business divisions?
IBM’s main business divisions include Global Technology Services, Cloud & Cognitive Software, Global Business Services, Systems, and Global Financing.
Related Terms with Definitions
Mainframe Computer:
A large, powerful computer primarily used in enterprise environments for critical applications, bulk data processing, and large-scale transaction processing.
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
A branch of computer science focused on creating systems capable of performing tasks requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
Cloud Computing:
A model for enabling ubiquitous access to shared pools of configurable computing resources, such as networks, servers, storage, and applications.
Punch Card:
A piece of stiff paper that contains digital data represented by the presence or absence of holes in predefined positions.
Tabulating Machine:
A device designed to assist in summarizing information stored on punch cards. It was notably used for census and large-scale data processing tasks.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Turing’s Cathedral” by George Dyson: A history of the digital universe and the story of how IBM contributed to its development.
- “IBM and the Holocaust” by Edwin Black: A detailed exposé on IBM’s business coordination with Nazi Germany during World War II.
- “Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance?” by Louis V. Gerstner Jr.: A memoir by the former IBM CEO detailing the company’s turnaround in the 1990s.
- “Architects of the Information Age” by Robert S. Brody: A comprehensive history of the pioneers who shaped the computer industry, including IBM’s contributions.
Fundamentals of IBM: Business Basics Quiz
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