IBM, or International Business Machines, was a company that expanded into Europe, Asia and Africa, with branches all over the world. The popularity of its excellent customer service, and its famous mantra “THINK” allowed the company to grow exponentially, pioneering the Data Analysis and computing industry.

However, IBM’s beginnings date back to the late 1800s when a string of inventors created companies all around New York. Julius Pitrap patented the Computing Scale in 1885, Alexander Dey patented the Dial Recorder in 1888, and Herman Holerith patented the Electronic Tabulating Machine. These four small companies were then consolidated by Charles Flint when he created the Computer-Tabulating Recording Company in Endicott, NY. Why did he choose Endicott? Well, when he established the company in 1911, George F. Johnson from EJ Johnson Co. had created an industrial, suburban community within the Tri-City Area, making it a perfect place for growing industries.

Next, Thomas J. Watson became a manager of the company when the National Cash Register Company fired him. After the company’s court cases were settled, Watson became president of the Computer-Tabulating Recording Company or CTR. Watson was an ambitious salesman and took sales tactics from his old boss, John Henry Patterson. He built a sales model that revolved around company loyalty and strong customer service. His catchy slogan “THINK” became the driving force behind many workers’ dedication. In 1924, Watson renamed the company International Business Machines in order to reflect the growing power and popularity of the company. Then, World War II hit the United States. IBM was crucial in Data Analysis, especially when it came to sending messages, recording orders, and decoding ciphers. Similar technology developed by the Nazis needed to be broken, so a sense of nationalism further increased within IBM. Its headquarters were moved to Armonk, NY, but at this point, there were buildings in every country in the world.

Additionally, there was a huge pollution scandal in Endicott that occurred when IBM dumped large quantities of chemical waste into Endicott’s water supply and air. These chemicals included trichloroethane, which is known to cause cancer. However, sufficient evidence connecting IBM’s wastage to the population’s ailments was never located.