That's almost exactly what I wanted to write until I read the definition of his analytical engine on Wikipedia. Although IBM says they formed through a merger of three companies in 1911, it's origins started in the 1880s and I count that as the true beginning of IBM. Note that in 1911 the company was called CTR and they kept that name until 1924, so either way I don't think 1911 accurately reflects the founding year of IBM.