In the most important product announcement in company history to date, IBM
introduces the IBM System/360 - a new concept in computers which creates a
"family" of small to large computers incorporating IBM-designed Solid Logic
Technology (SLT) microelectronics and uses the same programming instructions. The
concept of a compatible "family" of computers transforms the industry.
IBM moves its corporate headquarters from New York City to Armonk, New York.
IBM acquires a new subsidiary, Science Research Associates Inc., a Chicago
publisher of education, test and guidance materials.
IBM introduces the IBM Magnetic Tape Selectric Typewriter, a product which
pioneered the application of magnetic recording devices to typewriting, and gave
rise to the concept known today as word processing. Referred to as "power typing,"
the feature of revising stored text improved office efficiency by allowing typists
to type at "rough draft" speed without the pressure of worrying about mistakes.
IBM computers help speed the processing and transmission of event results at the
Winter and Summer Olympic Games.
IBM scientists develop an experimental device that can electronically position in
millionths of a second a laser light beam carrying written and pictorial
information; a solid state optical scanning device that converts images into
electrical signals; a laser transmitter that sends voice and other signals great
distances over laser light beams.
New plants are completed at Huntsville, Alabama, and East Fishkill, New York.
IBM Day at the New York World's Fair features former U.S. President Dwight D.
Eisenhower as a speaker. Chairman Thomas J. Watson, Jr., receives the Medal of
Freedom, the highest civil honor a U.S. President can bestow.
IBM forms the new Field Engineering Division, and the Electric Typewriter Division
becomes the Office Products Division.
