Lenovo
Careers at Lenovo
Mission
Lenovo’s mission is to consistently innovate breakthrough technologies, raising the bar for technology companies worldwide.
Product segments
As the world’s largest PC vendor and fourth largest smartphone company, Lenovo has multiple product segments:
- Laptops - Ranging from professional, work-grade laptops to casual and social devices.
- Tablets - A variety of tablets including affordable multimedia centres and work-ready devices.
- Desktops & All-in-ones - Computer towers and all-in-one PCs designed for maximum performance and gaming.
- Workstations - Tailored for professional use, Lenovo’s workstations are designed to be reliable and affordable.
- Servers, Storage & Networking - Includes systems, storage and networking options.
- Accessories & Monitors - Includes speakers, keyboards, monitors and other accessories.
- Services & Warranty - Includes warranty and licensing.
History
Originally an agent for importing and distributing computer products, Lenovo’s predecessor, Legend, moves from importation to production of technological devices. In 1984, Liu Chuanzhi launches the New Technology Developer Inc, alongside 10 like-minded colleagues. Legend’s first major success came with the development of a circuit board that allowed IBM-compatible PCs to process Chinese characters. By the 90s, Legend PCs are well accepted by China’s Torch Program, designed to promote innovative technology in China.
In 1996, Legend releases the first Legend branded laptop, only to sign an intellectual property agreement with Microsoft, the most valuable business deal ever made in China at the time. By 1998 , Legend releases its millionth computer and becomes Asia’s top PC vendor. This coincides with the revolutionary ‘one-touch-to-the-internet’ feature, allowing Asia’s PC users to easily access the internet.
In 2002, Legend opens its ‘Technology Era’ by launching a convention for technological innovation. The same year, DeepComp 1800, Legend’s first supercomputer is released. It is China’s fastest computer for civilian use, ranking 43rd in the Top 500 list of world’s fastest computers.
Legend changes its name to Lenovo in preparation for global expansion in 2003. The same year DeepComp 6800 is released, ranking 14th in the Top 500 list of world’s fastest computers.
In 2005, Lenovo acquires IBM’s personal computer business, inheriting the ThinkPad Laptop and tablet lines. This pushed Lenovo’s reputation worldwide and accelerated business in the western market. The merger makes Lenovo the third largest computer manufacturer in the world.
Business model of Lenovo
Customer Segments
Lenovo targets the mass market of consumer electronics. With a wide variety of products, including laptops, tablets and PCs of all different costs and specifications including:
- Workstations targeted at businesses and educational establishments.
- Affordable tablets aimed for casual and recreational users.
- Laptops aimed for both work use and leisure.
- High-powered gaming PCs.
Each of these categories features a range of products at different expenses and specifications. No potential customer is excluded.
Value Proposition
Innovation remains Lenovo’s core tenet. With user-friendly hardware and groundbreaking technology, Lenovo strives to change the way we think about technology. For example, Lenovo has created innovative hinges on its laptops as well as critically acclaimed keyboards, that although new technology, remains reliable and durable. Lenovo machines utilize advanced cooling systems and efficient technology to reduce strain on internal systems and increase longevity.
Personal computers, smartphones and tablets do not come as a one-size-fits-all package, and so Lenovo focuses on customization as well as featuring a wide product range to capture the mass market.
Channels
Lenovo utilizes two main sales channels. Consumers can buy online from their website directly, or from an independent dealer. Independent dealers specialize on a variety of products, depending on the user’s intended function, for example home office and business users can buy from certain resellers, whilst home and student users may wish to buy from others.
Customer Relationships
Lenovo centers a strong focus on customer relationships, featuring warranties and extended support. Lenovo offers sales support to businesses and schools to ensure the correct product reaches the intended customer.
Personal Assistance is offered prior to purchase, though self-service tools are available for customers via Lenovo’s website. Technical support is also available.
Key Activities
Lenovo is a global company that attempts to push technology forward, updating and innovating products.
It provides technical support to its consumers.
Lenovo relies on large scale manufacturing facilities based in China, the U.S, Brazil, Germany and Mexico. Distribution is then provided by both Lenovo directly and various distribution companies.
Key Partners
Lenovo has a wide supply chain, utilizing numerous resellers and distributors across the globe.
National Resellers include: CCB, CDW-G, CompuCom, Insight, PC Connection, PCM, SHI, Softchoice, Tiger Direct, Zones. Lenovo also utilize many online and local retailers including Costco, BestBuy and Amazon.com.
Key Resources
Lenovo’s main resource is its research and development team primarily located in Beijing, China and in North Carolina, USA. Lenovo utilizes marketing teams and has manufacturers based across the globe.
Cost Structure
Lenovo has a cost-driven structure, by manufacturing products in-house costs can be kept lower. Products are also manufactured across the world, where they are intended to be sold to keep transportation costs down. The biggest cost drivers are in research & development, and manufacturing.
Revenue Streams
The primary revenue stream for Lenovo is the price it charges for physical products.
