In contrast to computers used for scientific applications, commercial data processing systems have a different structure, since they are optimized to support large storage systems and to process lots of data, as in payroll applications and the like. Sometimes the distinction between scientific and commercial systems is not a clear one. The examples below are typical small to medium systems for commercial applications.
1967 the PROGRAMMA 101 was not only
extended with respect to memory but also coupled to an electric typewriter.
This made it possible to print the results of a computation. Nevertheless,
this combination was restricted to printing numeric values only. If text was
required on a printout it had to be typed manually.
The typewriter could also be used standalone without control be the PROGRAMMA 101.
The memory system, which is based on the magnetostrictive effect, has an overall capacity of 320
bytes organized as 10 registers with 30 digits each.
This early "personal computer" was designed by the italien artist Mario
Bellini. Its unique design won several avards. Even today it is admired for
its aesthetics. Following Olivetty computers were just plain cubes. Moving
this unique piece of computing history is quite a feat at 130 kg.
Also interesting are typical paper tape accessories as shown below. It is next to incredible that not too far ago programs had to be prepared with tools like these. The figure below shows a manual paper tape punch on the left which can be used to punch programs on a paper tape. For the most basic version of the NCR 446 which lacked the attached paper tape punch, this was the only way to create program tapes!
Programming in those days was done as follows: First, the program was written
down by hand. Each character was then translated manually using a NCR
supplied code table to its corresponding numerical code. The paper tape was then
punched by a secretary. Correcting errors was obviously rather cumbersome and
time consuming.
The NCR 446 in the museum's collection allowed the creation of paper tapes by
means of the built-in keyboard and the automatic paper tape punch
unit at an additional cost of 20,000 DM (10,000 EUR).
The motor driven paper tape winder shown on the right could be used to wind
the paper tapes after using them on the computer.
A typical small to medium data processing system is the NIXDORF 820 built in 1969/1970. This system is built entirely from modules, has a magnetic account reader and a threaded ROM which was user modifiable. The console consists of a typewriter, the magnetic account reader and two punch card readers. In addition to this the system supports a card punching unit, a high speed matrix printer (visible on the right), two cassette tape drives and a stand alone card puncher (IBM or YUKI, see above). Clicking on the picture will yield a more detailed version of it.