History of Computers part 3 BBC Documentary.mp4

Summary

In 1948, the EktMorley computer company faced financial struggles until Harry Strauss of the American Totalizator Company invested, envisioning a future with computers. After Strauss's tragic death, his partners sought to exit the business, leading EktMorley to be sold to Remington Rand. The UNIVAC, their first computer, was delivered late and over budget but gained fame by accurately predicting the 1952 election results on CBS. This success propelled UNIVAC into the spotlight, prompting IBM to enter the computer market, leading to a fierce competition between the two tech giants.

Takeaways

• 💡 In 1948, Ekt and Morley's struggling company received a lifeline from the American Totalizator Company, led by visionary Harry Strauss, who saw the potential of computers to replace mechanical equipment.
• 📈 After Strauss's investment, Ekt and Morley experienced rapid growth, expanding their staff from 40 to 134 within a year.
• ✈️ Tragedy struck when Harry Strauss died in a plane crash in 1949, leading to his partners wanting to exit the computer business, which they viewed as a financial loss.
• 📉 The departure of Strauss's partners forced Ekt and Morley to sell to Remington Rand, which was known for various products but sought to establish a presence in electronics.
• 🔢 The first UNIVAC was delivered to the US Census Bureau, marking America's first commercially built computer, albeit late and over budget.
• 📺 UNIVAC's prediction of Eisenhower's landslide victory in the 1952 election, based on just 5% of the vote, was initially met with skepticism but ultimately proved accurate, demonstrating the machine's capabilities.
• 🎬 UNIVAC's successful election prediction brought it into the public eye and even into Hollywood, showcasing its impact on popular culture.
• 🏢 By the end of 1953, UNIVAC had three installations and was gaining more orders, with no significant competition in sight.
• 👨‍💼 IBM, initially uninterested in computers, was spurred into action when the Census Bureau, a major IBM client, ordered UNIVAC, prompting Thomas Watson Jr. to recognize the threat to IBM's business.
• 💼 Watson Jr.'s aggressive sales strategy, inherited from his father, played a crucial role in IBM's entry into the computer market, leveraging a strong sales force to compete with UNIVAC.
• 🚀 IBM's entry into the computer market was a turning point, as they began to focus on developing computers to compete directly with UNIVAC, marking the start of a new era in computing.

Q & A

What was the name of the company that initially helped Ekerot and Morley with funding?

The American Totalizator Company, makers of mechanical equipment for racetracks, helped Ekerot and Morley's company with funding.

Who was the visionary leader of the American Totalizator Company?

Harry Strauss was the leader of the American Totalizator Company who foresaw the potential of computers and invested in Ekerot and Morley's company.

What happened to Harry Strauss that affected the future of Ekerot and Morley's company?

Harry Strauss died in a plane crash in October 1949, which led to his partners wanting to withdraw from the computer business, impacting Ekerot and Morley's company negatively.

Which company eventually acquired Ekerot and Morley's computer company?

Remington Rand acquired Ekerot and Morley's computer company, taking over the brand name UNIVAC.

What was the significance of UNIVAC's prediction during the 1952 US presidential election?

UNIVAC predicted Eisenhower's landslide victory, which was initially doubted but later confirmed as accurate, marking a significant moment in the public recognition of computer capabilities.

How did UNIVAC's success in the 1952 election prediction affect its public image?

UNIVAC's accurate prediction during the election brought it into the public spotlight, leading to increased recognition and interest in the technology.

What was the initial public reaction to UNIVAC's election prediction?

The initial public reaction was skepticism, as the polls suggested a close election, and UNIVAC's prediction of a landslide was not believed.

How did IBM initially respond to the emergence of electronic computers?

IBM initially showed little interest in electronic computers, focusing on their existing punched card tabulating equipment.

What event prompted IBM to take electronic computers seriously?

When the US Census Bureau, a major IBM customer, ordered UNIVAC instead of IBM's tabulators, it prompted IBM to reconsider its stance on electronic computers.

How did Thomas Watson Jr. approach the challenge posed by UNIVAC to IBM?

Thomas Watson Jr. recognized the threat posed by UNIVAC and vowed to focus all his energy on beating UNIVAC, eventually launching a more affordable machine and leveraging IBM's strong sales force.