Computer Technology History and Development, Research Paper Example

The Importance of Computer Technology Today

Computers were first created in order to speed up mathematical and statistical processes and increase the overall productivity of industries. However, today the majority of computers are used for personal communication, and they are able to adapt to the preferences of the user. The below essay will follow the development of computer technology from the time when the first device called “computer” was created to today. From simple calculating tasks performed by the first, large computers, we reached the age when two people from two different continent can have a video conversation through the internet and see each other in high definition.

The “First computers”

The first computers were calculating devices, and Tantall[1], and they go back to ancient times, when the first counting boards were created. In the Middle Ages, logarithms were created which were able to solve more complex mathematical problems. They were used for multiplication and division, as well as addition and subtraction.
In computer hardware development, according to Lemley and Samuelson[2], the first mechanical adding machine was invented by DaVinci and taken further by Jacquard, who introduced loom technology in the 19^th Century. This was the development path that later led to the invention of punch-hole computing systems in the 20^th Century. Hollerith’s Punch-card system was used for statistical purposes[3], and later the new technology was developed.

IBM was created in 1924, and developments were made to the tabulating capacity of the machines, resulting in the computers being able to compare cards and perform logic operations. Eckert’s  “first commercially viable electronic computer”[4] was created in the 1950-s, and this one already used electronic circuits and computing power. While the first computers were too large for transportation, with the technological development, they became smaller, and the term “personal computer” was introduced to computer technology. The first generation of computers used a binary code (combination of 1 and 0). The codes were hard to understand for non-professionals.

The next breakthrough in computer technology came with the development of integrated circuits, which increased computing power and allowed developers to reduce the size of the devices at the same time. IBM 360 is a good example for one of these compact and more powerful computers, with advanced user access and controls.

The development of representative computer companies.
IBM – Building a Tradition

IBM acted as a trend-setter and leader in the development of computers, however, it failed to complete one important goal that the other two below mentioned companies did in time: bringing computers close to people, and making them cheap and small enough for personal use. According to recent publication[5], the first IBM computer was too expensive and too big for personal use (released in 1981). While it was called the IBM PC, it was more popular among businesses, due to the price, and it failed to impress customers. When the PC-s’ DOS mainframe was introduced, for many users completing simple tasks on these devices was challenging. Still, “the powerful IBM trademark and the growing availability of software designed to run on the IBM/Microsoft platform catapulted IBM to a dominant position”[6]. Choosing Microsoft as an operating system was a good choice for IBM. For a long time, IBM occupied the majority of computer market that used Microsoft software. A rival focusing on innovation, however, soon turned up, offering an alternative to Word processing and publishing systems based on Microsoft’s software.

Apple – A New Route towards Innovation

Founded in 1976 by college dropouts, the main goal of Apple was to make computers small enough for personal use. The focus was on compact size and reliable performance.

 While IBM focused on developing hardware and borrowing Microsoft interface for operating the computers, Apple focused on the customer by creating easy to use software applications. The Macintosh computer was introduced in the market in 1985, and it became a strong rival to IBM products. Its software developers worked on systems that enabled graphical desktop publishing and other user-friendly tools. Apple caught up with Microsoft developing applications, such as a text editor, calculator, and database processing software. The Mac OS was released in 1997, as a response to advanced Microsoft Windows programs. One of the main reasons why Apple is still criticized today is that its devices and software have limited compatibility with other computers that use Windows or Linux software. While this was more the case a few decades ago, Apple is now realizing that it is losing customers because of compatibility issues, and is now making its devices more flexible[7].

The main strength of Apple in the personal computer and small computing device industry was that it remained a market leader and an innovator. The company gained a great competitive advantage by creating solutions for customers first, such as the iPod (2001) and the i Pad.

Customizable Computers: Dell

Kraemer et al.[8] states that Dell’s extraordinary performance on the personal computer market is based on the company’s understanding of changing times. Dell realized that the product lifecycle of computers was being reduced each year, and the company’s management also understood that people – as well as companies – often seek the most suitable solution, instead of standard configurations. Indeed, “product life cycles in the personal computer (PC) industry have shrunk from about 22 months in 1988 to 6 months in 1997”[9], therefore, there was a need for change. Instead of manufacturing standard configuration computers and laptops, Dell moved to built-to-order production. Today – more than ever before – a strong time-based competition exists in the computer industry. Inventory costs are high, and if competitors release a better performance model before the stock manufactured is cleared, the company can realize a profit loss, and will be forced to reduce the cost of the standard configuration computer, or change the product (both increasing expenditure). Dell successfully overcome this risk, and became a successful company, creating configurations that match customers’ needs the best.

Summary

 Based on the above review of computer technology history, it is evident that three main trends shaped the development of today’s computing devices: customer demand, technology, and innovation. Dell based its corporate strategy on serving customers on an individual level. While IBM’s initial success was based on being able to develop supporting technologies. Apple used both innovation and customer focus to achieve success.

Computers today are no longer simply used for calculation and statistics, but they are also devices that enable interpersonal communication, collaboration, and information gathering. Customer demand for smaller, faster, and more functional devices is likely to further shape the computer technology industry. Focusing on interactive features, personalization features, and innovation, companies analyzed above can build upon their past success and empower individuals through computerized devices.

The Oligarch. “Short history of the GUI and the Microsoft Apple debate” Originally Published Jan 2007, Last edit November 2013

[1] Tantall, A. “History of computer hardware and software development” Computer Science and Engineering. (2012)

[2] Lemley, M. and Samuelson, P. Software and Internet Law: Aspen Law And Business (Casebook). (2000)

[3] Ibid, 3

[4] Ibid, 4

[5] The Oligarch. “Short history of the GUI and the Microsoft Apple debate” Originally Published Jan 2007, Last edit November 2013

[6] Lemley, M. and Samuelson, P. Software and Internet Law: Aspen Law And Business (Casebook). (2000), 6

[7] The Oligarch. “Short history of the GUI and the Microsoft Apple debate” Originally Published Jan 2007, Last edit November 2013

[8] Kraemer, Kenneth L., Jason Dedrick, and Sandra Yamashiro. “Refining and extending the business model with information technology: Dell Computer Corporation.” The Information Society 16, no. 1 (2000): 5-21.

[9] Ibid, 5