Huawei has deployed its products and services in more than 170 countries and areas. Initially focused on manufacturing phone switches, Huawei has expanded its business to include building telecommunications networks, providing operational and consulting services and equipment to enterprises inside and outside of China, and manufacturing communications devices for the consumer market. The corporation was founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, a former officer in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). It designs, develops, manufactures and sells telecommunications equipment, consumer electronics, smart devices and various rooftop solar products. ( / ˈ hw ɑː w eɪ/ HWAH-way Chinese: 华为 pinyin: Huáwèi) is a Chinese multinational technology corporation headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Waa4 wai4 gei6 seot6 jau5 haan6 gung1 si1 'Splendid Achievement' or 'Chinese Achievement' 'Huawei' in Simplified (top) and Traditional (bottom) Chinese characters