International Business Machines Corporation, IBM (R), founded in 1911 and based in Armonk, New York, provides companies and general consumers worldwide with computer hardware, software, and consulting and financing services. The firm develops server, storage, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), printing, retail checkout, information management, infrastructure management, and other hardware and software. It is known for its zSeries, iSeries, AIX, pSeries UNIX, and xSeries Microsoft (R) Windows (R) operating systems. The company offers customers the D2 database and content management, Lotus business collaboration, Rational software development, Tivoli infrastructure management, and Websphere business process management programs. The firm holds thousands of patents on its technologies. IBM also provides businesses with business performance optimization, strategic outsourcing, engineering, client relationship management, application management, Web infrastructure hosting, and other services. The company encompasses the Global Services, Systems and Technology Group, Software, Global Financing, and Enterprise Investments businesses. The firm serves organizations across the life sciences, communications, industrial, energy, distribution, retail, education, and government sectors. IBM works with 45,000 business partners and 33,000 suppliers worldwide. The company has offices in 75 countries and serves clients in 174 countries. IBM has acquired Viacore, INFICON's ARGUS Semiconductor Software, BuildForge Incorporated, FileNet, Internet Security Systems, MRO Software, Collation, Micromuse, Ascential Software, Rational Software, Access360, Think Dynamics, and other companies.