Historical Dictionary of Data Processing

?Although Cortada's three volumes are interrelated and are meant to be used together, LC has regrettably classed them separately. Taken together, the volumes offer access to more than 400 entries on all aspects of data processing. They chronicle the history of those individuals and organizations that have contributed to the evolution of data processing over the past two decades, and jointly form a reference work that has no present parallel in the applied sciences. The introduction is a thorough history of the computer age. Organizations contains entries for 81 companies and professional organizations, providing significant and interesting stories about how they became major league players in a young industry. US firms are in the majority; future editions may show a shift toward greater international participation in the industry. Companies that have merged with others to push the industry in new directions are included. Cortada offers insights into how data processing and automation have become important concerns in daily and corporate life.... Cortada has pulled together a large amount of information to provide a concise history of data processing. References are contained in endnotes to articles rather than in general bibliographies; indexing is well done, and cross-references are relevant and useful. An important set, enlightening and a pleasure to read, that belongs in all libraries that collect on any aspect of data processing.?-Choice