International Business Machines Corporation, abbreviated IBM, is a multinational computer technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York.

IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and offers infrastructure services, hosting services, and consulting services.

With over 388,000 employees worldwide, IBM is the largest information technology employer in the world. The company is nicknamed 'Big Blue'.

The company was originally known as Tabulating Machine Company. It was founded by Heman Hollerith in Broome County, New York.

The company's first quarter revenue for 2008 stood at $24.5 billion, up 11 per cent and its diluted earnings stood at $1.65 per share, up 36 per cent.

Image: Visitors check out the IBM stand at the CeBIT technology fair March in Hanover, Germany.