IBM, popularly known as “Big Blue,” is a technology giant with a fascinating history that dates back over a century. Founded in 1911 under the name CTR (Computing Tabulating Recording), the company emerged from the merger of three innovative companies, each specializing in a crucial area: punched cards, mechanical registers, and weighing instruments.

IBM’s significance in the history of technology is undeniable, with contributions that have shaped the development of modern computers. From the invention of the punched card to the advent of cloud computing systems, IBM has been a driving force in technological innovation. In this text, we will explore interesting facts about this iconic company, revealing how its inventions and strategies helped transform the world of technology and shape the future of computing.

Get ready for a journey through IBM’s rich history and groundbreaking innovations.

1 – THE NAME WASN’T ALWAYS IBM

Big Blue didn’t start with the name IBM. In fact, the company’s original name, established in 1911, was CTR (Computing Tabulating Recording). It emerged from the merger of three distinct companies:

• Tabulating Machine Company (specializing in punched cards);
  
• Time Recorder (focused on mechanical time registers);
  
• Computing Scale (dedicated to weighing instruments).
  
  Among these, the most relevant was the Tabulating Machine Company, founded by Herman Hollerith. Hollerith’s company was a pioneer in developing technologies for processing and storing data using punched cards, which laid the groundwork for IBM’s early innovations.
  
  If you’re over 35, you might remember the term “holerite”, which was the name given to the document issued by companies to prove salary payments. Nowadays, this document is known as a “pay stub”.
  
  At the time, holerites had holes along the sides, which explains the origin of the name.
  

2 – IBM DIDN’T START WITH TECHNOLOGY

In its early years, IBM continued to sell the same products that these companies offered individually. This included a range of items such as commercial scales, meat and cheese slicers, punched cards, and clocks, among others.

In 1943, IBM installed a self-regulating clock at the Central Station of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. This was just one example of the many clock installations the company carried out.

3 – THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL BRANCH WAS IN BRAZIL

A notable fact about IBM is that its first international branch was established in Brazil, which is quite unusual for technology companies. In 1917, Rio de Janeiro received the first office of what was then CTR.

At that time, the company signed a contract with the Commercial Statistics Directorate.

The results were so positive that, in 1920, CTR was selected to conduct the demographic census. That year also marked the arrival of the company’s first printers.

4 – ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE 1950s

Artificial intelligence is a term quite popular in recent years, with even smartphone cameras using this technology to enhance photos. However, IBM has been involved in artificial intelligence research since the 1950s!

In 1952, engineer Arthur Samuel created a computer program capable of playing checkers against humans. The unique feature of this program was its ability to learn from its own mistakes.

With each new game, it became more intelligent, able to predict the opponent’s moves with greater accuracy.

Samuel called this technique “machine learning”. Since then, IBM has been dedicated to developing and refining technologies related to machine learning and artificial intelligence.

5 – THE FIRST HARD DRIVE IN HISTORY WEIGHED ALMOST A TON!

It couldn’t have been any other company that created the first hard drive in history: the IBM 350. Forget the modern idea of a compact and lightweight HDD. The first model stood 1.5 meters tall and weighed an impressive 795 kg. With the attached air compressor, the total weight reached nearly 1 ton! Inside the IBM 350, there were 50 magnetic disks of 24 inches each, spinning at 1200 RPM (revolutions per minute). The storage capacity was 3.75 MB—a small amount by today’s standards but significant at the time. The cost of this primitive HDD was also high.

In 1957, it cost US$34,500, a price that made its use impractical for many companies. As a result, many opted to lease the IBM 305 RAMAC, which included the complete computer, for a monthly fee of about US$3,200.

6 – THE FIRST RAM MEMORY WAS CREATED IN THE 1960s

DRAM memory, commonly known as RAM, remains fundamental to this day and originated in IBM’s laboratories. In 1964, engineers Arnold Farber and Eugene Schlig developed the so-called “Farber-Schlig cell”, a unit capable of storing data in transistors. The following year, Benjamin Augusta created a 16-bit silicon memory chip, based precisely on the Farber-Schlig cells.

The first RAM module contained 80 transistors, 64 resistors, and 4 diodes. After successful testing, IBM patented the first DRAM in 1966.

7 – IBM INVENTED THE FLOPPY DISK

The first floppy disks were commercially released in 1971, developed by researchers Alan Shugart and David Noble. Originally called “memory disks”, floppy disks were created to facilitate the backup of files and software.

The initial IBM model was 8 inches in size, made of plastic, and used magnetic iron oxide to store data. In 1976, the floppy disk was refined to a 5-inch (5¼) size. A few years later, nine companies were manufacturing floppy disks.

They underwent a final update to the 3½-inch format and continued to be used until the early 2000s, when they were replaced by CDs and, later, USB flash drives.

8 – CREATING PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Just over 40 years ago, IBM entered the personal computer market. Initially, the company was indifferent and neglected this emerging market, allowing competitors like Apple to thrive. When IBM realized the lucrative potential of this sector it had ignored, it decided to invest heavily, assembling a team of 150 professionals to create the IBM PC.

Instead of developing all the components in-house, IBM adopted a partnership strategy that proved extremely effective. Intel provided the 8088 processor, which was fast and powerful for its time.

Additionally, Microsoft collaborated by providing the MS-DOS operating system. The IBM PC achieved remarkable success, selling 13,000 units in a few months and more than 136,000 units in its first year.

9 – COLLABORATION WITH DICTATORS DURING WORLD WAR II

IBM also has controversial chapters in its long history. During World War II, the company was accused of collaborating with the Nazi regime by supplying technology and equipment. IBM’s machines helped the Third Reich streamline the identification, control, and movement of prisoners. In the concentration camps, prisoners were identified by numbers tattooed on their forearms, corresponding to IBM punched cards that detailed each person’s history.

IBM defends itself by claiming that its subsidiary in Germany was forced to cooperate with the Nazi regime due to occupation. However, the company also played a role in supporting the Allies by developing new calculators and making its factories available for the Allies’ war efforts.

10 – MULTIPLE AWARDS

Starting in the latter half of the 20th century, IBM invested heavily in research and development. As a result, its employees have won numerous prestigious awards, including:

• 5 Nobel Prizes;
  
• 7 U.S. National Medals of Technology;
  
• 5 U.S. National Medals of Science;
  
• 6 Turing Awards (considered the Nobel Prize of Computing);
  
• Frances Allen, the first woman to receive the Turing Award;
  
• 11 researchers in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
  
  Undoubtedly, IBM’s contributions to the fields of physics, science, and computing are unparalleled.
  
  In conclusion, IBM continues to be a beacon of innovation and leadership in the field of technology, shaping the future with its pioneering contributions. From the development of the first personal computer to the creation of advanced artificial intelligence systems, IBM has played a crucial role in global digital transformation.
  
  Its investments in research and development and its ability to adapt its solutions to emerging market needs ensure that the company remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
  
  As we reflect on its achievements, it is clear that IBM not only drives technological progress but also paves the way for a more connected and intelligent future.
  
  With a legacy of excellence and a forward-looking vision, IBM continues to inspire and transform the world of technology.