IBM researcher Robert H. Dennard invents
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) cells, one-transistor memory cells that store
each single bit of information as an electrical charge in an electronic circuit.
The technology permits major increases in memory density, and is widely adopted
throughout the industry where it remains in widespread use today.
IBM World Trade dedicates a plant in Vimercate, Italy, and a laboratory at
Lidingo, Sweden; completes a new manufacturing facility in Mainz, West Germany;
and announces plans to build a second manufacturing plant at Havant, England.
A Corporate Office is established to conduct the overall affairs of the
corporation.
IBM announces the "Electric" Composer and Magnetic Tape "Electric" Composer for
cold-type composition; the model 1287 optical reader; the 9370 document
reproducer; the IBM 1500, the first system specifically designed for
computer-assisted instruction; IMPACT, a set of computer programs for inventory
control of retail operations; and System/4 Pi, a special family of aircraft and
space computers.
IBM computers process some 19 million Medicare identification cards for the Social
Security Administration.
Federal Systems Division personnel move into a new facility near Gaithersburg,
Maryland. The Office Products Division announces a plant and engineering complex
at Austin, Texas.
IBM announces a new employee benefit, the Family Surgical Plan, and a new special
care program to assist employees with handicapped children.
