IBM System/360 (1964)

(1964 April) IBM announces the System/360 computer. This was the most expensive and riskiest undertaking by IBM since its inception. Thomas J. Watson, Jr. and T. Vincent Learson, Vice President of IBM's General Product Division and its Data Systems Division, viewed the System/360 as a major step in IBM's road to obtain a large share of the business computing market. The term "360" was chosen to emphasize the computer's versatile nature, covering a 360 degrees radius of business applications. Bob O. Evans, who was in charge of planning and development in IBM's Data Systems Division, chaired a committee to develop IBM's long range computer systems strategy. The committee made its recommendations in January 1962, which included the concept of the System/360. Over 1,000 computers were ordered within the first 30 days. Photos Courtesy of International Business Machines Corp.

Photo above Courtesy of Stefan Mansier, Computer Pictures Database, and International Business Machines Corp.