Established in 1961 in Silicon Valley, Memorex started by selling computer tapes, then added other media such as disk packs.

During the 1970s and into the early 1980s, Memorex was worldwide one of the largest independent suppliers of disk drives and communications controllers to users of IBM-compatible mainframes, as well as media for computer uses and consumers.

[1] Memorex entered the consumer media business in 1971 and started the ad campaign, first with its "shattering glass" advertisements and then with a series of legendary[2] television commercials featuring Ella Fitzgerald.

The computer media, communications and IBM end user sales and service organization were spun out as Memorex International.

[4] The company evolved into a provider of information technology solutions including the distribution and integration of data network and storage products and the provision of related services in 18 countries worldwide.