Computers and Commerce
Subtitle: A Study of Technology and Management at Eckert-Mauchly Computer Company, Engineering Research Associates, and Remington Rand, 1946-1957 (History of Computing)
Publisher: The MIT Press
Published: June 1, 2005
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 357
ISBN-13: 9780262140904
Subjects: Computing and Information Technology; History of engineering & technology; Computers; Computers - General Information; Computer Books: General; Computer Engineering; Modern - 20th Century; Computers / History; Computer Science; Computer industry; Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corpor; Electronic digital computers; Engineering Research Associate; History; Remington Rand, Inc.
Description: "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 Norbert 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 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"--Jacket.