OEM, which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, refers to a company or entity engaged in the production of products and components intended for sale to other manufacturers rather than directly to consumers. The term OEM has two distinct definitions. In the realm of information technology (IT), an OEM is the producer of products, components, or software that is supplied to PC manufacturers. An illustrative example is the collaboration between Microsoft and computer manufacturers like Dell or HP, where Microsoft serves as the OEM by providing the Windows operating system that is pre-installed on PCs. In this context, the OEM designation signifies the supplier of a key component or software integral to the final product's functionality and marketability.