Artifact Details

Title

The IBM System/360, lecture by Bob Evans

Catalog Number

102703157

Type

Moving Image

Description

Bob Evans, one of the driving forces behind the IBM System/360—a computer system that reshaped and ultimately propelled IBM far ahead of its competitors—begins his talk with an overview on the origins, history, organization, and product timeline of IBM, where he had worked for more than three decades. Evans chronicles the events leading up to and serving as the catalyst for the introduction of the IBM System/360, including incompatibilities between IBM’s previous systems and their architectures, and increasing pressure from competitors. Throughout the spring and summer of 1961, Evans was part of the team tasked with conceiving a new family of machines that was equally adept at scientific and business applications, was both upward and downward compatible, had standard interfaces, and was built on compact technology—a technology that would become IBM’s Solid Logic Technology (SLT), a divergent path from the integrated circuit (IC). The result was the IBM System/360, which was formally announced on April 7, 1964. It was a huge and profitable success, and its product family’s lifetime and sales far exceeded predictions. The lecture concludes with Evans describing the current state of IBM and answering questions from the audience.

Date

1983-11-10

Credits

Evans, Robert O.

Publisher

Computer History Museum

Place of Publication

Boston, MA, US

Duration

01:40:13

Format

DVCAM

Category

Lecture