SAEDNEWS: Lenovo is a Chinese multinational computer company and one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of laptops, personal computers, and digital accessories. In this article, we will explore the history of Lenovo, examining its activities from its founding to the present day.
According to the Success World Service of Saed News, Lenovo, in addition to personal computers, produces a wide range of other products and markets them internationally. The company also has a strong presence in Iran, offering diverse products. Lenovo’s laptops are considered among the best-selling laptops in Iran.
History of Lenovo
Lenovo was founded in 1984 by Liu Chuanzhi, along with ten other engineers, in Beijing. Initially, the company was named "Legend," but the founders later decided to rename it "Lenovo" to support international expansion, as the name Legend was already registered by another company. The new name combines "Le" (from Legend) and "Novo," a Latin word meaning "new."
Liu Chuanzhi
Liu Chuanzhi was born on April 29, 1944, in Zhenjiang, China. After finishing school, he joined the Chinese military in 1962 for pilot training. He excelled in his military career but left due to various reasons. Liu then joined the Republic Army but was exiled to remote regions because of anti-revolutionary policies. During that era, the Chinese government often sent intelligent and politically independent individuals to distant areas to keep them under control.
After two exiles, Liu returned to Beijing and worked at a computing institute focusing on processor production. In 1984, he resigned and, with government funding available to researchers, founded Legend.
Founding of Legend
In November 1984, Liu Chuanzhi and a team of ten engineers established the company in a small office in Beijing. Initially called New Technology Developer, it soon became Legend Holding. Early company activities included importing products like color televisions and electronic watches to sell in China. Lenovo began manufacturing devices that enabled Chinese-language computing, marking its entry into production.
The product won first place in national science and technology competitions and earned $25,000 from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Using this capital, Lenovo opened its second branch in Hong Kong in 1988 and later moved operations there with government permission.
From Hiring to Leadership
Legend published its first recruitment advertisement in 1988 in China Youth News. Of 500 applicants, 120 passed initial testing, and 58 were ultimately hired. Among them was Yang Yuanqing, who later became CEO of Lenovo.
First Products
Until 1990, Legend sold imported computers. That year, the company produced its first PC under the Legend brand. In 1993, the Legend 586, Lenovo’s first personal computer, was launched, surpassing competitors like AST and Compaq in the Chinese market.
Transition to Lenovo
Initially, products retained the Legend name. When expanding internationally, the company had to adopt a new name because another company already used Legend globally. In 2003, the company became Lenovo, combining “Le” (Legend) and “Novo” (new). Lenovo spent $8.5 million promoting the new brand to maintain its reputation.
Global Expansion
Lenovo gained international exposure by collaborating with the 2004 Athens Olympics. In 2005, it acquired IBM’s personal computer division for $1.75 billion, becoming the world’s third-largest PC manufacturer. In 2006, Lenovo produced computers for Formula 1 and the Winter Olympics, boosting global recognition. Yang Yuanqing’s leadership during this period remains highly regarded.
Global Product Launches
In 2008, Lenovo introduced servers (which received little market attention) and launched the IdeaPad and ThinkPad X300 laptops in China. The company also began producing Android and Windows tablets, marking its first significant global efforts.
Laptops
IdeaPad Series: Designed by Lenovo and modeled after IBM laptops, the IdeaPad series launched in 2008. Later versions, such as the IdeaPad Yoga 13, featured detachable keyboards for tablet use.
ThinkPad Series: These laptops incorporate automotive-inspired design, with hardware equipped with accelerometers for shock protection.
Touchscreen Laptops: Lenovo developed touchscreen laptops, including the Yoga C930, featuring strong batteries and high-resolution displays.
Smartphones
Lenovo sold its mobile division in 2008 but repurchased it soon after. In 2012, Lenovo launched its first smartphone, which gained popularity in China and outsold Apple products locally. By 2013, Lenovo established itself as a recognized smartphone manufacturer through Android devices.
Motorola Acquisition
In 2014, Lenovo acquired part of Motorola (originally purchased by Google), gaining access to technologies like multi-camera systems and display designs, strengthening its global smartphone presence.
Smart TVs
In 2013, Lenovo partnered with Sharp, a major smart TV manufacturer, to enter the television market. By 2014, selling over one million smart TVs, Lenovo aimed to integrate its devices through cloud platforms.
Current Status
Today, Lenovo is rapidly expanding. Despite early challenges due to limited market understanding, it has become one of the top three PC manufacturers globally. Boston Consulting Group recognized Lenovo among the 50 most innovative companies. Lenovo continues to participate in annual technology events in China, reflecting its ongoing growth and influence.
