The IBM z990 eServer - IBM announces the eServer zSeries 990, the world's most
sophisticated server and the new flagship of the eServer family. The new z990 sets
a new standard for enterprise-class computing and is the result of a four-year,
more than $1 billion investment in the zSeries platform involving 1,200 IBM
developers. IBM delivers the first z990 in June to Farmers Insurance Group as the
backbone of a new state-of-the-art, Web-based claims processing system.
Software engineer Daria Dooling examines a wafer of IBM Power4 chips destined for
the company's new eServer p690 computer. IBM introduces an ultra-fast high-end
eServer p690 system that provides a 65 percent performance boost over its
predecessor. Each Power4 chip contains 174 million transistors -- about 10 times
more than those used in today's PCs -- and are interconnected by one mile of
microscopic copper wiring.
The iSeries 825, 870 and 890. - As part of the broadest transformation of its
eServer iSeries in more than a decade, IBM announces iSeries 825 and 870, which
join the iSeries 890 at the high-end of the iSeries family. Used by more than
200,000 customers around the world, the IBM eServer iSeries is one of the
industry's most popular servers.
The ThinkPad T41 - In November IBM sells the 20 millionth ThinkPad -- a T41 --
since launching the ThinkPad line in 1992. The computer is presented later that
month to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in
recognition of the business school's leadership in the application of technology
to improve business performance.
ABB and IBM complete a 10-year agreement to outsource nearly 90 percent of ABB's
information systems infrastructure operations, including the transfer of more than
1,200 employees to IBM. The agreement is valued at $1.1 billion and builds on a
well-established relationship between the two companies.
IBM earns 3,415 U.S. patents in 2003, breaking the record for patents received in
a single year and extending its run as the world's most innovative company to
eleven consecutive years. Led by growth in patents that fuel the company's latest
on demand computing and services offerings, IBM eclipses the nearest company by
more than 1,400 patents. During the past eleven years, IBM innovations have
generated more than 25,000 U.S. patents -- nearly triple the total of any U.S. IT
competitor during this time.
IBM introduces a first-of-its-kind initiative -- the IBM On Demand Community -- to
encourage and sustain corporate philanthropy through volunteerism. The program
will arm employees with valuable IBM technology tools targeted for non-profit
community organizations and schools in 91 locations around the world. By linking
IBM's tradition of community service with its on demand business strategy, the
company creates a new model for helping employees improve the communities where
they all live and work.
IBM's On Demand Community is a revolutionary approach to corporate philanthropy in
which nearly half the participants are outside the United States.
