In the 21st century, IBM is an undisputed leader in computer technology, innovation, and more. There’s probably no one in the world who hasn’t heard of IBM. But the company’s history dates back to the 19th century, when it all began with clocks, typewriters, and other office machines. Learn more on new-york-future.
How the World-Famous Company IBM Was Born
It all began in the 1880s. At that time, several companies were operating in New York and other American cities. One of them produced time clocks and was the first of its kind in New York. Another was the first manufacturer of machines that processed data using punch cards. Two other companies specialized in producing accounting and measuring systems.
In 1911, all these innovative companies merged into a single entity called “CTR.” By the early 20th century, this company was incredibly high-tech and successful. It also expanded its scope, starting to produce a wide range of products, including:
- time recorders;
- scales;
- automatic meat grinders;
- coffee grinders;
- tabulators;
- punch card equipment;
- and much more.
The Growth and Success of IBM
Soon, the company was renamed “IBM.” It became incredibly popular in a very short time. IBM’s products were in huge demand and highly sought-after throughout the U.S. And IBM’s reputation was simply flawless. Thanks to this unprecedented success, IBM’s leadership decided to constantly conquer new fields and invent new, innovative products.
By the start of the Great Depression, IBM had achieved considerable success. They managed to open their first office in Europe, sell a tabulator to the Japanese market, and create a tabulator that could perform calculations with 80 columns.
In the 1930s, despite the global crisis, IBM continued to grow and achieve new successes in the production of computing machines and more. The period of World War II was also difficult. But despite all of this, IBM was able to adapt and overcome all the challenges. Notably, in 1945, IBM even opened its own research laboratory. During World War II, IBM was also involved in creating ballistic tables, developing intercontinental missiles, and launching and tracking satellites.
After the end of World War II, thanks to its invaluable experience in missile production, IBM mastered the aerospace industry and became one of NASA’s main contractors. The post-war era was a period of new achievements in business computing and space exploration. During this period, IBM also developed equally important inventions:
- a typewriter with Chinese characters;
- a digital computing machine with the ability to modify a stored program;
- a large-scale electronic computer;
- data processing machines with a magnetic drum;
- the fastest and most powerful electronic computer of the mid-20th century;
- the first magnetic hard disk drive;
- artificial intelligence for a checkers game;
- the first transistor computer;
- a chain printer.
The second half of the 20th century became the era of creating and developing innovative software for IBM. The company developed and released a huge number of new products, software, and hardware during this time. Thanks to IBM, a true information revolution happened.
IBM has come a long way in the field of computer technology and has achieved tremendous success and, most importantly, a leading position in the international market for innovative technologies.