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From GHN

Author: Burton Grad

Timeline

Synopsis

From a software and usage standpoint, there is a sequence of computer systems that set the stage for the development of the systems software and applications software which justified customers acquiring these computer systems. These core platforms characterize the growth of the Information Technology (IT) marketplace and will enable people to understand how computing has changed the world and changed their lives. These are the core platforms:

• Mainframe Computers: 1st and 2nd generation (1951-1963)
• Mainframe Computers: 3rd generation (1964-1985)
• Minicomputers (1959-1990)
• Midrange Computers (1955-1995)
• Microcomputers and Personal Computers (1977-2010)
• Internet and World Wide Web (1992-2010)
• Embedded Computers (1990-2010)

Each of the core platforms will be analyzed to show how they started, who the key players were, and the roles that both systems and applications software played in the maturation and development of these different platforms.

The principal elements of software development and market acceptance will be examined within the appropriate core platforms:

• programming in machine language and in assembler for the earliest mainframe computers and how that continued for over 20 years where performance was critical
• the development of high-level procedural languages and how that impacted the ability to write application programs more efficiently and quickly
• the development of operating systems and utilities to make computer systems management practical and to remove detailed operational tasks from the machine operators
• how application development systems including DB/DC products and 4GL languages moved applications development closer to the users and out of the “glass house”
• the growth of independent software companies and how they advanced both systems and application technology
• broadening the technical user base through minicomputers targeted at engineers
• broadening the commercial user base through mid-range computers with package programs for most common business functions
• extending the usage of computers to individuals in business and at home through the introduction of personal computers and appropriate systems and applications software
• the role played by email in establishing broad business and personal use of the Internet
• the browser and search software that enabled the World Wide Web to become such an essential part of our everyday lives
• the role of software that was necessary to make embedded computers the key driver for watches, satellite navigation devices, cameras, personal digital assistants, and more recently, in multipurpose hand-held devices that provide voice communications, take pictures, show video, and play music.

Significant achievements listed in the timeline will be covered along with the principal elements for the relevant core platforms to explain the technical and business factors that led to these achievements and the impact that each had on the computer industry and their broader economic and social significance.

Bibliography

References of Historical Significance

References for Further Reading

About the Author(s)

Burton Grad has a Bachelor of Management Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. At General Electric he programmed the first business applications for the Univac I and developed Decision Tables. At IBM he participated in IBM’s unbundling project, managed the development of over 150 systems and application programs, and represented IBM at ADAPSO/ITAA. Since 1978 he has been a business consultant to over 200 software products/services companies. He is the principal author of Management Systems published by Holt, Rinehart & Winston in 1968. Since 2000 he has co-chaired the Software History Center, now the Software Industry SIG (Computer History Museum).