Lenovo

In 1981, IBM envisioned computing at a new level – a personal level – to extend the power and the productivity of information technology from the mainframe to the individual, at home and at work. That vision led to the founding of a new unit within IBM, the Personal Computing Division, which virtually invented personal computing. PCD advanced the state-of-the-art with a series of innovations ranging from the very first laptop computers to the latest high-security technologies, such as the built-in "air-bag" that protects data, and biometric identification that protects user identity. PCD created the icon of notebook computing, the ThinkPad, and the unique software tools, known as ThinkVantage Technologies, which increase user productivity.

In 1984, not long after PCD was founded, 11 computer scientists in Beijing, China also had a vision – to create a company that would bring the advantages of information technology to the Chinese people. With RMB200,000 (US$25,000) in seed money and the determination to turn their research into successful products, the 11 engineers and researchers set up shop in a loaned space – a small, one-story bungalow in Beijing. The company they founded, Legend, opened the new era of consumer PCs in China.

Since it was established, the company has affected the lives of millions of Chinese: It first introduced PCs to households, then promoted PC usage in China by establishing retail shops nationwide. It also developed the pioneering Legend Chinese Character Card that translated English operating software into Chinese characters, and achieved breakthroughs like PCs with one-button access to the Internet.

By 1994, Legend was trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; four years later, it produced its one-millionth personal computer. In 2003, Legend changed its brand name to Lenovo, taking the "Le" from Legend, a nod to its heritage, and adding "novo," the Latin word for "new," to reflect the spirit of innovation at the core of the company. The company name changed from Legend to Lenovo a year later.

In 2003, Lenovo introduced a self-developed collaborative application technology, which heralds the important role Lenovo is going to play in the 3C era (computer, communications and consumer electronics). These and other market-leading personal computing products catapulted Legend to a leadership position in China for eight consecutive years with over 25% market share in 2004.

Today, these two visionary companies are united under the Lenovo name. With Lenovo's landmark acquisition of IBM's Personal Computing Division in May 2005, the new Lenovo is a leader in the global PC market, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenue, and products serving enterprises and consumers the world over.