IBM

IBM developed its first mainframe computer, known as the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), in 1944 . It solved addition and multiplication problems in less than six seconds. The ASCC was operated by a system of thousands of vacuum tubes.

IBM was a little slow evolving to transistors. While other computer companies were experimenting with the new technology of transistors, IBM experimented with a computer known as the RAMAC 305, which used an ascending stack of aluminum discs covered with iron oxide to store information. With the disc system, data could be magnetically coded allowing random retrieval of data from a storage file. IBM’s RAMAC was a stepping stone in the development of RAM (Random Access Memory), which, of course became the core of current computer memory.

During the 1980's and early 90's the use of personal computers became more widespread, business forecasters predicted that the mainframe computer would lose its pomp within the world of business. Although concerned about the predictions, IBM made the decision to continue its production of large computers. The decision was beneficial; today IBM is the leading producer of network processors(a small version of the old mainframe). Next

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