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What IBM does

The mission of IBM is to be a catalyst that makes the world work better. We aim to have a positive impact globally, and in the communities where we operate, through business ethics, environmental commitment and responsible technology.

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Fast facts

300,000+

employees across 170+ countries

 2,000+

businesses in our Partner Plus program

 660+

products tailored to meet your every need

 19

research facilities spread across 12 laboratories on 6 continents
Technology and services
Consulting

Work with IBM experts to design, build and future-proof your business.

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Software

Modernize, predict, automate and secure with AI and hybrid cloud solutions.

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Infrastructure

Modernize applications, servers and storage to integrate with hybrid cloud and AI.

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Ecosystem

Meet the IBM partners that help design, deploy and manage end-to-end solutions.

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Red Hat

Increase productivity, reduce costs and improve business outcomes.

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Origin story

For over a century, IBM been at the forefront of technological innovation. Beginning in the earliest days of computing, IBM has blended intelligence, innovation and science to improve business, society and the human experience.

Learn more about our rich history
Industrial Revolution to early 20th century IBM’s roots trace back to Herman Hollerith’s 1896 invention of the tabulating machine, revolutionizing data processing for the 1890 US Census. In 1911, IBM was founded as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, later renamed IBM in 1924. Key innovations followed, such as the 1928 introduction of the 80-column punched card, which became a global data standard.
Rise of computing and world conflict IBM introduced the electric accounting machine in 1929. By 1935, it supported Social Security with record-keeping systems. During World War II, IBM aided military operations with punch card technology, and in 1945, it founded the Watson Scientific Computing Lab, marking a significant step toward modern computing.
Space Age and Mainframe Revolution Launched in 1964, IBM’s System/360 was a pivotal mainframe computer for businesses and governments. In 1969, IBM systems helped NASA achieve the Apollo moon landing. In 1973, the introduction of the UPC barcode revolutionized retail industries by streamlining inventory management.
PC Revolution and digital transformation In 1981, IBM released the IBM PC, revolutionizing personal computing. In 1997, Deep Blue made history by defeating a world chess champion, Garry Kasparov. By the late 1990s, IBM had also developed the world's fastest supercomputer, showcasing its leadership in AI and high-performance computing.
Global connectivity and AI IBM shifted toward cloud computing and AI with Watson's 2011 Jeopardy! win, reshaping business optimization and AI-driven solutions. In 2018, IBM and Airbus launched CIMON, the first AI assistant for the International Space Station, expanding its reach into space technology. IBM remains focused on ethical AI systems today.
Future of technology and sustainability IBM continues to push the boundaries of AI, quantum computing and sustainability. As a leader in ethical AI, IBM shapes transparent systems to address global challenges, from healthcare to environmental sustainability. The company also aims to drive innovation through partnerships in space technology, cloud computing and data-driven industries.
Industrial Revolution to early 20th century IBM’s roots trace back to Herman Hollerith’s 1896 invention of the tabulating machine, revolutionizing data processing for the 1890 US Census. In 1911, IBM was founded as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, later renamed IBM in 1924. Key innovations followed, such as the 1928 introduction of the 80-column punched card, which became a global data standard.
Rise of computing and world conflict IBM introduced the electric accounting machine in 1929. By 1935, it supported Social Security with record-keeping systems. During World War II, IBM aided military operations with punch card technology, and in 1945, it founded the Watson Scientific Computing Lab, marking a significant step toward modern computing.
Space Age and Mainframe Revolution Launched in 1964, IBM’s System/360 was a pivotal mainframe computer for businesses and governments. In 1969, IBM systems helped NASA achieve the Apollo moon landing. In 1973, the introduction of the UPC barcode revolutionized retail industries by streamlining inventory management.
PC Revolution and digital transformation In 1981, IBM released the IBM PC, revolutionizing personal computing. In 1997, Deep Blue made history by defeating a world chess champion, Garry Kasparov. By the late 1990s, IBM had also developed the world's fastest supercomputer, showcasing its leadership in AI and high-performance computing.
Global connectivity and AI IBM shifted toward cloud computing and AI with Watson's 2011 Jeopardy! win, reshaping business optimization and AI-driven solutions. In 2018, IBM and Airbus launched CIMON, the first AI assistant for the International Space Station, expanding its reach into space technology. IBM remains focused on ethical AI systems today.
Future of technology and sustainability IBM continues to push the boundaries of AI, quantum computing and sustainability. As a leader in ethical AI, IBM shapes transparent systems to address global challenges, from healthcare to environmental sustainability. The company also aims to drive innovation through partnerships in space technology, cloud computing and data-driven industries.

Global impact

IBM Impact Report

Discover our progress and performace to create a more sustainable, equitable and secure future.
IBM Sustainability Accelerator

Explore this initiative, which provides IBM technologies and expertise to nonprofits and governments addressing climate change impacts on vulnerable populations.
IBM SkillsBuild

Our commitment is to provide 30 million people of all ages with new skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030.

Commitments to the future

IBM is always on the hunt for what’s next. Learn more about the group of more than 3,000 international scientists and researchers who believe in the power of the scientific method to invent at IBM Research, including leading the charge in quantum computing. Visit the IBM Research lab
IBM’s adaptive AI solutions are designed to solve real business problems. We employ an open, enterprise-grade AI approach that provides more choice, greater flexibility to best fit your business needs. See AI solutions
Personal digital employees, or digeys, are AI-powered workers that can relieve employees of their most repetitive, mundane tasks. We believe intelligent automation solutions will help businesses improve workflows, integrate systems and gain insights into operations. Learn more at IBM Automation
In 2021, we furthered our tradition of leadership in sustainability, announcing a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 across all the countries in which we operate. Our data-driven sustainability solutions are helping clients turn ambition into action. Explore sustainability solutions
IBM is always on the hunt for what’s next. Learn more about the group of more than 3,000 international scientists and researchers who believe in the power of the scientific method to invent at IBM Research, including leading the charge in quantum computing. Visit the IBM Research lab
IBM’s adaptive AI solutions are designed to solve real business problems. We employ an open, enterprise-grade AI approach that provides more choice, greater flexibility to best fit your business needs. See AI solutions
Personal digital employees, or digeys, are AI-powered workers that can relieve employees of their most repetitive, mundane tasks. We believe intelligent automation solutions will help businesses improve workflows, integrate systems and gain insights into operations. Learn more at IBM Automation
In 2021, we furthered our tradition of leadership in sustainability, announcing a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 across all the countries in which we operate. Our data-driven sustainability solutions are helping clients turn ambition into action. Explore sustainability solutions
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