On 01/25/2017 05:47 PM, Eric Smith wrote: > Based on the bios of the authors, I'm actually more inclined to > believe the book than annotation of a photo on the IBM web site.
Computerhistory.org mentions that the 1959 date was part of other information written on the back of the photo. Nevertheless... Okay, how about this? https://www.soa.org/Library/Research/Transactions-Of-Society-Of-Actuaries/1959/January/tsa59v11n3182.aspx "Transactions of Society of Actuaries" 1959, Volume 11, Number 31 "MR. LLOYD G. ROLLERSON stated for the past 7 years the Crown Life has been using a seriatim validation method. They are now in the process of installing an IBM, 7070 system, but will retain the seriatim system." So, how could IBM be installing a 7070 at a life insurance company in 1959 if the machine hadn't been released? I can dig up more references, if your confidence in the authors of the 1986 book is still unshaken. --Chuck
