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<p class=MsoNormal>Dear All:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>We are now working on a small exhibit relating to the
fiftieth anniversary of the first successful test of the compatibility of COBOL
programs in December of 1960. Programs ran successfully on both a UNIVAC
computer and an RCA 501. To suggest the size and appearance of computers
of the time, we plan to include a Unityper II from a UNIVAC and a single tape
station from an RCA 501 (for an image of an RCA 501, see <a
href="http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-0778.jpg">http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/BRL61-0778.jpg</a>.
The tape stations are in the back of the picture and on the left side).
Looking at the tape station from the RCA 501 in the Smithsonian collections, I
was surprised to discover that it not only had a tag on the inside of the
cabinet reading RADIO CORPORATION of AMERICA (and a serial number as a model
581, which a model number for RCA tape stations for the 501) but also was
labeled on the outside: UNIVAC SPERRY RAND (/) SERIES 70. It is
possible that this label was added after Sperry Rand Univac acquired RCA in 1971.
However, the RCA 501 is not described in Auerbach’s 1969 description of
available computers, so this seems a bit unlikely. It’s also possible
that RCA manufactured tape stations for Sperry Rand Univac or vice versa –
which might make the story of the compatibility test more interesting.
Insights and suggestions welcome. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Peggy A. Kidwell<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Curator of Mathematics<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Division of Science & Medicine<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>MRC671, NMAH<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Smithsonian Institution<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>P.O. Box 37012<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Washington, D.C. 20013-7012<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>address for FedEx and UPS:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>NMAH, Smithsonian Institution<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>12th St. & Constitution<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Washington, D.C. 20560<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>telephone: 202-633-3828<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>fax: 202-633-9273<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>email: kidwellp@si.edu<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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