- from the data processing service company
to the IT group offering value-added expert services

The company started its business operations in Espoo, Finland in 1968 under the name Tietotehdas Oy. In the first years, Tietotehdas operated mainly in its owners' computer centre. IT systems were developed and maintained mainly for Union Bank of Finland and its customers, and for a few forest industry companies.

The customer base of the company grew during the 1970s and midi-computers were introduced alongside the existing mainframe computers. The use of personal computers became established in the 1980s. Besides mainframe computer services and software, the development of IT systems was also central to the operations of Tietotehdas. Customers represented several industries and system development was organized according to these industries.

During the 1990s the company experienced rapid growth through a number of acquisitions, mergers and strategic alliances. Tietotehdas acquired Carelcomp Oy from Enso-Gutzeit in 1993 to enhance the forest expertise.  In 1995, Tietotehdas and the state-owned VTKK Group joined forces and created a strong concentration of expertise specialising in information technology processing, professional and and software services. Also in 1995 the company joined with Unic Oy that strenghtened the market position of financial and personnel management systems. 

The company's name was changed from Tietotehdas to TT Tieto in 1995 and Tieto in 1998.

In 1996 Tieto and the PT Finland Group expanded their co-operation. The PT Finland Group became an owner of Tieto, as the state of Finland sold its ownership share, and Tieto became the owner of Avancer Oy, which specialised in IT solutions e.g. of the telecommunications sector and logistics. This strenghtened the resources and development preconditions of Tieto in the telecommunications sector considerably.

Major acquisitions and mergers of (Tietotehdas) Tieto: