A Century of Smart: The IBM 1401 (1959)

The Computer History Museum recently honored one of the great teams in computing history when it marked the 50th anniversary of the legendary IBM 1401. The 1401 was really the first business computer, putting unprecedented computing power within the reach of a whole new range of business customers a machine packed with significant technical and business innovation. A current ibmer said it best when he remarked: … I think of (the 1401 team) as ibms version of the original Mercury astronauts. They were a team that thrived on challenge. They were driven by curiosity. They were devoted to meaningful innovation. And they aimed high they wanted to change the world. The 1401 will be remembered not just for the technological achievements which were groundbreaking. Not just for the impact on business which was deep. But for their impact on IBM itself.” A few months before the Computer History Museum event, about 60 members of the team gathered for a reunion in Endicott, NY, where the 1401 was created. This video captures a few of their thoughts and reflections on that great era in computing history. www.irishtimes.com

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Posted: March 16th, 2010 under Business.
Tags: 1401, 1959, Century, Smart

Comments

Comment from DOlderdi
Time March 16, 2010 at 11:43 pm

my dad worked for IBM at that time – and so did I, years later. And for me it was an adventure to work for IBM, too

Comment from PureBloodx3
Time March 17, 2010 at 12:34 am

Paul is my Grandfather’s 1st cousin.

Comment from doh4rj
Time March 17, 2010 at 1:22 am

I joined IBM Brazil in 1998. I am a 47 years old Electronic Engineer. Be an EE was my biggest dream since I was a kid and heard about computers and watched “Lost in Space” at my home’s black n’white tv set. Once I read about IBM in a magazine and dreamed a lot. You’re heroes of a new world, with your discipline and intelligence. Thank you very much.

Comment from incosmos
Time March 17, 2010 at 1:30 am

Another reason to be a Proud IBMer… I joined in August 12, 2005.

Comment from noxregretsx4life96
Time March 17, 2010 at 2:04 am

OMG THATS MY FRIENDS GRANDPA

Comment from Demonata10101
Time March 17, 2010 at 2:35 am

OH SHIT SON THATS MY GRANDPA

Comment from 1941geezer
Time March 17, 2010 at 3:13 am

In 1967, I was trained on the 1401 and its peripherals in Endicott. – in the winter! When I returned to the office, I immediately transferred to a 3,000 square mile resident territory with three 1401s. I loved this system! I could locate a failing transistor and borrow a replacement from an unused circuit. Spare parts were hard to get in north Mississippi in 1967.

Comment from hondo6387
Time March 17, 2010 at 3:38 am

My first day at IBM was May 25, 1968. My job was to code key punch sheets so the key punch operators could punch the cards that provided instructions to computers. We were responsible for the 1130 line and the 360 model 20. I spent 25 years with IBM as a full time employee, another 2 as a Supplemental and another 14 as a contractor. Very proud to have been with the company all those years.

Comment from glennbuskirk
Time March 17, 2010 at 3:41 am

Paul F – my old cube neighbor – has this and much more to be proud of. A real gentleman.

Comment from alonsov
Time March 17, 2010 at 4:33 am

For this reason and more I’m very happy of work in IBM. Real Innovators and Inventors.

Ajedropolis.com

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