International Business Machines (IBM) is a multinational computer, technology and IT consulting corporation having its head quarters at Armonk, New York, USA. IBM is the world's fourth largest technology company and the second most valuable global brand (after Coca-Cola). IBM is one of the few IT companies with a contionous history dating back to the 19th century. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software (with a focus on the latter), and offers infrastructure services, hosting services, and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology. At the end of MAy 2010, IBM bought the Sterling Comerce Unit from AT&T for about $1.4 billion. This is the second largest acquisition by IBM.
IBM has been well known through most of its recent history as the world's largest computer company and system integrator. With almost 4,00,000 employees all over the world, IBM in the terms of market capitalisation has become the second largest and the second most profitable IT and services employer in the world according to the Forbes 2000 list with sales more than 100 billion USD. IBM holds more patents than any other US based technology company and has the eight research laboratories worldwide. The company has scientists, engineers consultants and sales professionls in over 200 countries.