Number of Images: 1; Color: Black and white; Size: 10w x 8h; Type of Image: Group, candid; Medium: Photographic print
Type:
Negative
Group, candid
Date:
November 5, 1971
Category:
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
Notes:
See negatives 71-2785-02 through 71-2785-15 from photos of the installation and dedication of the Honeywell 2015 mainframe computer. Photos 71-2785-05 through 71-2785-08 are of a large group of people, taken within a few minutes of each other.
Before 1975, the Smithsonian's central data processing organization was named the Information Systems Division (ISD), under the leadership of Nicholas J. Suszynski, Jr. From May 29, 1975 to April 3, 1982, it was called the Office of Computer Services (OCS). On April 4, 1982, it was renamed the Office of Information Resource Management (OIRM). Stanley A. Kovy (January 4, 1931 - April 15, 1998) was the only Director of OCS. The central data processing organization had several others names at different time in its history.
The Smithsonian operated several different mainframe computers, manufactured by both Honeywell and IBM. The mainframe computers were all located on the third floor of the SW quadrant of the Arts & Industries Building, in the Computer Center room 3335. This space was used from 1967 to c. 2006, when operations were moved to the Herndon Data Center.
Photo taken in the Computer Center, Arts & Industries Building, on November 5, 1971 at the installation and dedication of the "new" Honeywell 2015 mainframe computer. In Sept-Nov. 1967, the Smithsonian ordered and installed a Honeywell 1200; the 2015 was a replacement and an upgrade to the 1200. Both mainframe computers were members of the H-200 family or model line. At least seven Honeywell employees are represented in these images, many wearing Honeywell name tags.
Summary:
Information Systems Division Director Stanley Kovy and a Honeywell man stand, laughing, behind the operator console of the "new" Honeywell 2015 mainframe computer during its dedication ceremony. Behind them are five of the six magnetic tape drives and the paper tape reader of the Honeywell 2015 mainframe. Partially visible on the far right of the photo is Nathan Reingold.
