International Business Machines Corporation, most commonly known as IBM, is a leading multinational computer technology and IT consulting company. Headquartered in Armonk, New York, it is one of the rare Information Technology companies with a history that starts in the 19th century. Perhaps best known for its line of IBM computers, the company also manufactures and sells a wide range of computer hardware and software applications, as well as managed infrastructure and hosting services. IBM is widely known as the world’s largest and most profitable IT employer with more than 388,000 employees across the globe.
IBM was originally established in 1896 as the Tabulating Machine Company. It was incorporated in 1911 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1916. The company’s history actually predates that of the electronic computer, as it started off specializing in punch card data processing equipment.
Experiencing considerable growth from 1925-1949, IBM really received its big break following World War II, a time that marked the emergence of business computing. It became the premier contracted developer of the U.S. Air Force’s automated defense computer systems and played a significant role in the development of the world’s first real-time digital computer. IBM was right there when the PC and software markets emerged in the 1980s, forming profitable relationships with both Microsoft and Intel. It was around this time that IBM mainframe computers and home-based systems became prevalent. Although it experienced tough times during the 1990s, the company made a revival and bounced back completely for the new millennium.
IBM has been a pioneer in the IT field for over a century and continues to stand at the forefront of the global industry that has revolutionized how consumers and enterprises operate. From IBM mainframes to innovative software products, this company is rightfully recognized as one of the most successful entities in the history of technology.
Originally established in 1982, Hercules Computer Technology was a leading graphics card company in the 1980s. While the company also produced CGA compatible cards, its most popular product was the Hercules Graphics Card, a MDA-compatible card that was frequently imitated by many other competitors. The popularity of this card helped the company survive into the 1990s. In attempt to compete with EGA, Hercules launched the Hercules InColor Card, which failed miserably in terms of sales.
Officially established in 1984, Guillemot Corporation is a France-based company that designs and manufactures a wide variety of interactive PC hardware and accessories. The product lineup consists of graphics cards and graphics accelerators, TV acquisition cards, sound cards, CD/DVD drives, joysticks, USB steering wheels and a range of devices under many of its award-winning brands. It has a strong global presence with offices in locations that include the U.K., the U.S., Canada, Spain, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong and Italy. Coupled with over 150 qualified worldwide employees, this reach enables the company to deliver quality, high-performance products to customers in more than 30 countries.
Founded in 1986, Gigabyte Technology is a Taiwan-based company that manufactures a wide range of computer hardware products. What began as a research and development team has become a global leader in the highly competitive motherboard and graphics accelerator markets. To reach a broader spectrum of customers, Gigabyte recently further expanded its portfolio of products to include a more versatile line, such as desktop and notebook PCs, network servers, digital home appliances, mobile and handheld devices and telecommunications solutions. Its extensive product line is designed to cover every facet of life at home or in the office environment. As of 2009, Gigabyte has approximately 7070 employees in multiple countries throughout the world.