What Is Lenovo?

By Willa Dunn

Lenovo is known for its computer business.
i Ethan Miller/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Lenovo is an international technology company that produces hardware and software solutions. The Lenovo Corporation is the result of a merger between a Chinese company and the IBM Personal Computing Division. As of 2011, it ranks as one of the largest personal computer companies in the world, with popular products such as ThinkPad laptops and ThinkCentre desktops, workstations and servers.

History

Lenovo was founded in 1984 by a group of technologists and scientists in China. The company distributed products for large technology companies such as IBM and HP before manufacturing its own products. Ten years after its founding, Lenovo became a publicly traded company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This was followed by the production of a Lenovo-branded server and notebook in the next two years. Lenovo became the market share leader of the Asia-Pacific by 1999. Lenovo acquired IBM's PC division in 2004.

Locations

Lenovo does not have a world headquarters, instead favoring a distributed management structure with operational hubs worldwide. Locations include Bangalore, India; Beijing and Shanghai; Paris; Yokohama, Japan; and Raleigh, North Carolina.

ThinkPad Laptop

The ThinkPad laptop, available in various models, was originally designed and sold by IBM. With Lenovo's acquisition of the IBM Personal Computing Division, this line of laptops is now produced and marketed by Lenovo. The ThinkPad has been a popular choice for schools and businesses because of its security, performance and durability. Lenovo continues to improve upon the ThinkPad, and as a result enjoys high ratings for quality and customer support. ThinkPads are the laptops used on the NASA International Space Station.

ThinkCentre Systems

Like the ThinkPad, ThinkCentre was originally produced by IBM. The ThinkCentre line consists of various desktop, server and workstation models marketed for businesses. The models represent a range of features and prices to fit varying industries. The ThinkCentre systems are known for their speed, as well as productivity-related features like touch screens, high-definition screens and zoom capability. The servers are built for security and energy efficiency, thereby aiming to provide cost efficiency.

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