Between 1946 and 1957 computing went from a preliminary, developmental                  stage to more widespread use accompanied by the beginnings of the digital computer                  industry. During this crucial decade, spurred by rapid technological advances, the                  computer enterprise became a major phenomenon. In Computers and Commerce, Arthur                  Norberg explores the importance of these years in the history of computing by                  focusing on technical developments and business strategies at two important firms,                  both established in 1946, Engineering Research Associates (ERA) and Eckert-Mauchly                  Computer Company (EMCC), from their early activities through their acquisition by                  Remington Rand.Both ERA and EMCC had their roots in World War II, and in postwar                  years both firms received major funding from the United States government. Norberg                  analyzes the interaction between the two companies and the government and examines                  the impact of this institutional context on technological innovation. He assesses                  the technical contributions of such key company figures as J. Presper Eckert, John                  Mauchly, Grace Hopper, and William Norris, analyzing the importance of engineering                  knowledge in converting theoretical designs into workable machines. Norberg looks at                  the two firms' operations after 1951 as independent subsidiaries of Remington Rand,                  and documents the management problems that began after Remington Rand merged with                  Sperry Gyroscope to form Sperry Rand in 1955.

Computers and Commerce: A Study of Technology and Management at Eckert-Mauchly Computer Company, Engineering Research Associates, and Remington Rand, 1946-1957 (History of Computing)

Computers and Commerce: A Study of Technology and Management at Eckert-Mauchly Computer Company, Engineering Research Associates, and Remington Rand, 1946-1957 (History of Computing) PDF

The list of books you might like