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Building IBM: Shaping an Industry and Its Technology,Used
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No company of the twentieth century achieved greater success and engendered more admiration, respect, envy, fear, and hatred than IBM. Building IBM tells the story of that companyhow it was formed, how it grew, and how it shaped and dominated the information processing industry. Emerson Pugh presents substantial new material about the company in the period before 1945 as well as a new interpretation of the postwar era.Granted unrestricted access to IBM's archival records and with no constraints on the way he chose to treat the information they contained, Pugh dispels many widely held myths about IBM and its leaders and provides new insights on the origins and development of the computer industry.Pugh begins the story with Herman Hollerith's invention of punchedcard machines used for tabulating the U.S. Census of 1890, showing how Hollerith's inventions and the business he established provided the primary basis for IBM. He tells why Hollerith merged his company in 1911 with two other companies to create the ComputingTabulatingRecording Company, which changed its name in 1924 to International Business Machines. Thomas J. Watson, who was hired in 1914 to manage the merged companies, exhibited remarkable technological insight and leadershipin addition to his widely heralded salesmanshipto build Hollerith's business into a virtual monopoly of the rapidly growing punchedcard equipment business.The fascinating inside story of the transfer of authority from the senior Watson to his older son, Thomas J. Watson Jr., and the company's rapid domination of the computer industry occupy the latter half of the book. In two final chapters, Pugh examines conditions and events of the 1970s and 1980s and identifies the underlying causes of the severe probems IBM experienced in the 1990s.
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- Q: What is the page count of 'Building IBM'? A: The book 'Building IBM' has four hundred twenty-three pages. This makes it a comprehensive read on IBM's history.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Building IBM'? A: The book measures six and a half inches in length, one point two six inches in width, and nine and a half inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard hardcover size.
- Q: What binding type does 'Building IBM' have? A: The book features a hardcover binding. This provides durability and makes it suitable for extensive use.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Building IBM'? A: The author of 'Building IBM' is Emerson W. Pugh. He provides a detailed historical account of IBM.
- Q: What genre does 'Building IBM' belong to? A: The book is categorized under Economics. It discusses the business and technological evolution of IBM.
- Q: How does 'Building IBM' explore IBM's history? A: The book chronicles IBM's formation, growth, and influence on the information processing industry. It includes insights from archival records.
- Q: Is 'Building IBM' suitable for beginners? A: Yes, 'Building IBM' is suitable for beginners interested in technology and business history. The narrative is accessible to a wide audience.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Building IBM'? A: The book explores themes of innovation, leadership, and the evolution of the computer industry. It delves into IBM's impact on technology.
- Q: What insights does 'Building IBM' provide about IBM's leaders? A: The book offers new interpretations of IBM's leaders and dispels myths about their roles. It highlights their contributions to the company's success.
- Q: How can I keep 'Building IBM' in good condition? A: To keep 'Building IBM' in good condition, store it in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Clean it gently with a soft cloth.
- Q: Does 'Building IBM' contain any adult content? A: No, 'Building IBM' does not contain any adult content. It is appropriate for a general audience.
- Q: What should I do if 'Building IBM' arrives damaged? A: If 'Building IBM' arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers provide easy solutions for damaged items.
- Q: What are the underlying causes of IBM's problems in the 1990s? A: The book identifies several underlying causes of IBM's problems in the 1990s, including market changes and internal challenges. These insights help understand the company's evolution.
- Q: Can I gift 'Building IBM' to a friend interested in technology? A: Yes, 'Building IBM' makes an excellent gift for anyone interested in technology and business history. It provides valuable insights into a significant company.
- Q: How does 'Building IBM' depict the transition of power within IBM? A: The book explores the transfer of authority from Thomas J. Watson to his son, Thomas J. Watson Jr. This transition is pivotal in IBM's history.
- Q: What type of research did Emerson Pugh conduct for 'Building IBM'? A: Emerson Pugh conducted extensive research using IBM's archival records. He had unrestricted access, allowing for a detailed historical analysis.