The chromium-plated tabulator: Institutionalizing an electronic revolution, 1954-1958

Authors
Haigh, T
Citation
T. Haigh, The chromium-plated tabulator: Institutionalizing an electronic revolution, 1954-1958, IEEE AN HIS, 23(4), 2001, pp. 75-104
Citations number
144
Categorie Soggetti
Computer Science & Engineering",History
Journal title
IEEE ANNALS OF THE HISTORY OF COMPUTING
ISSN journal
10586180 → ACNP
Volume
23
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
75 - 104
Database
ISI
SICI code
1058-6180(200110/12)23:4<75:TCTIAE>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
The computer promised business of the 1950s an administrative revolution. W hat it delivered was data processing-a hybrid of new technology and existin g punched card machines, people, and attitudes. The author examines how fir st-generation computers were sold and purchased, and describes the occupati ons (analyst, programmer, and operator) and departments that emerged around them. This illuminates claims of a more recent electronic revolution in bu siness.