How We Got Here: Lenovo's Blockbuster IBM Server Deal: Page 5 of 12

IBM in 2008 signed an agreement to license its x86 server technology to Lenovo, letting Lenovo build one- and two-processor servers based on IBM's System x server technology.

Under that agreement, which covered rack-mount and pedestal servers but not blade servers, Lenovo already manufactures and sells Lenovo-branded servers based on the IBM technology. IBM also continues to manufacture and sell its own similar IBM-branded servers based on the same technology.

IBM also supports Lenovo's server sales with financing and maintenance and other services.