IBM logo

From globes to stripes: The IBM logo Just as a nation's flag expresses the distinct identity of a country, so, too, a logotype — typically a symbol or letters — helps to establish the name and define the character of a corporation. Effective logos become synonymous with the organizations they portray. They are instantly recognized by millions of people, and help to identify their companies and convey a message about the brands for which they stand. Down through the years, IBM (and its predecessor companies) has used a series of logos on signs, stationery, vehicles, products — and even flags — to make a distinctive statement and foster immediate recognition all over the world. Here are those logos.

International Time Recording
Company (1889-1914)

The International Time Recording Company (ITR) began as the Bundy Manufacturing Company in Auburn, New York. ITR's main product line were mechanical time recorders invented and patented by Willard L. Bundy in 1888.

ITR time recorder ITR was later merged into the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company — the forerunner of IBM — in 1911.

Ozias. financier Charles R. Watson. Edward Canby and Orange O. and introduced into the company his famous motto "THINK. purchased the patents for the newly invented computing scale and incorporated the Computing Scale Company for the production of commercial scales Computing Scale Company scale Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (1911-1924) In 1911. was named general manager of CTR. the Computing Scale Company and the Tabulating Machine Company to form the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR). Flint directed the merger of the International Time Recording Company. Ohio. Watson emphasized research and engineering. two businessmen from Dayton." .. Sr.Computing Scale Company (1891-1914) In 1891. In 1914 Thomas J.

Transition logo . rococo letters that formed the "CTR" logo were replaced by the words "Business Machines" in more contemporary sans-sarif type. The ornate. The familiar "globe" was replaced with the simple letters "IBM" in a typeface called Beton Bold. the first in 22 years. the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company adopted the name International Business Machines Corporation. 1947 issue of Business Machines with surprisingly little fanfare. girdled by the word "International. and in a form intended to suggest a globe. The new logo appeared on the masthead of the January 1.International Business Machines (1924-1946) In 1924. It began with a change to the logotype." Assembling a key punch machine IBM in transition (1947-1956) IBM borrowed on the equities in its brand image and reputation to help carry it through a difficult transition from the punched-card tabulating business to computers.

Watson. to communicate that any changes would come within an overall continuity. moved quickly.) In 1972. grounded and balanced appearance. the basic design has remained constant. horizontal stripes now replaced the solid letters to suggest "speed and dynamism. Thomas J. the new logotype replaced the former Beton Bold typography with City Medium. shortly before he died. and a design that has been widely imitated by others. presided over the official installation of his son as IBM's chief executive. the company introduced a new version of the logotype.   Eight-bar IBM logo appears on a System/370 IBM AS/400 midrange computer wears the eight-bar logo . in part. Jr.IBM continuity (1956-1972) In May 1956.. one of the most recognized logotypes in the world. Designed by Paul Rand. The first visible expression was a relatively subtle change in the company's logotype subtle. Sr." In the intervening quarter-century. Tom Watson. Continuity logo examples IBM international recognition (1972. using both actions and symbols to signify a new era. as the letters "IBM" took on a more solid. Created by noted graphic designer Paul Rand.