An Initial Public Offering is the first public distribution of securities from a company that has not publicly issued securities before. Typically, the term would refer to an issuer's first public offering of its stock.
Companies typically use IPOs to raise capital for future business plans.
Generally an underwriter, such as Credit Suisse First Boston, prepays the issuer for its stock and then goes to the public to sell it. Please keep in mind, however, that depending upon demand there can be no assurance that you will be able to purchase any shares. Each underwriter determines how it will allocate shares to its customers. Please contact CSFB direct for a full explanation of their procedures. The issuing company hires an investment bank to act as advisor and underwriter for the deal.