International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is an American multinational technology and consulting company founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company and renamed IBM in 1924. Headquartered in Armonk, New York, IBM operates in over 175 countries and is a leader in hardware, software, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and consulting services. It is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and one of the 30 components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. IBM is renowned for its extensive research and development efforts, maintaining the world's largest industrial research organization with 19 facilities across a dozen countries. From 1993 to 2021, it held the record for the most annual U.S. patents generated by a business for 29 consecutive years, underscoring its innovation in areas like quantum computing, AI (through Watson), and hybrid cloud solutions.

Historically, IBM played a pivotal role in the development of computing technology, from early punch-card systems to mainframes and personal computers. In the 1980s, it popularized the PC standard, though it later shifted focus from hardware to services and software amid competition. Today, IBM's business segments include Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing, with significant revenue from enterprise solutions and partnerships. The company has a notable board including figures like F. William McNabb III as a board member. IBM has faced controversies, including antitrust lawsuits in the mid-20th century and more recent scrutiny over data privacy in AI and cloud services, but it remains a cornerstone of the global tech industry.

IBM's influence extends to government contracts, academic collaborations, and sustainability initiatives, such as its commitment to carbon-neutral operations by 2030. With a workforce of over 280,000 employees as of recent reports, it continues to drive technological advancements while navigating geopolitical challenges in international operations.