Automatic Data Processing Center, Arts & Industries Building

Automatic Data Processing Center, Arts & Industries Building

Historic Images of the Smithsonian

Automatic Data Processing Center, Arts & Industries Building

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 95-169, Box 1, Folder: ADP Photos

This image was taken in the Computer Room, in the Arts & Industries Building, room 33nn, in 1978. It shows the Honeywell mainframe computer model 66/05, which was installed in September 1977; it replaced an older Honeywell mainframe computer, which occupied the same space. Visible in the image are: On the left four of the six magnetic tape drives, numbers 5 to 2. Number 1 is behind the notebooks on the console; tape drive number 6 is to left and out of the image A cart is loaded with magnetic tapes (center left) to be used either as input for batch computer jobs, or output produced from the execution of a computer job (most likely output tapes). In the center are two computer operators, John Spinner, and Denise Munns. She has her hand on a chair and is facing the computer console. The card reader, not visible, is directly beyond her. To the right of the woman, and behind her, is the high speed printer, with output of circa 1,100 lines per minute. In the right in the foreground are five disk drives, with removable disk packs. The empty disk pack cases are sitting on top of the disk drives.

The computer room had a raised floor, with cold air circulating below the floor; with an opening in the floor below the equipment that required cooling. The 2x2 foot raised floor sections can be seen in the lower left, around the magnetic tape cart. The door to the computer room is to the right, directly behind the woman operator.

When this picture was taken the Smithsonian’s central data processing organization was the “Office of Computer Services” (OCS), created on May 29, 1975 to April 3, 1982. Before 1975, it was named the Information Systems Division (ISD). 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 A&I Building, room 33nn. This space was used from 1967 to c. 2006, when operations were moved to the Herndon Data Center.

Restrictions: No restrictions

Physical_Description:

Number of Images: 1; Color: Black and white; Size: 9.49"w x 7.28"h; Type of Image: Group, candid; Interior; Medium: Photographic print

Negative Number:

Ordering Information:

For permission to reproduce or publish, and to order reproductions contact osiaref@si.edu or call 202-633-5941.

Digital Reference:

Images

Digital Copies:

SIA2010-0870.tif; 650 dpi

Arts and Industries Building

Office of Computer Services May 29, 1975 to April 3, 1982

Computer printers

Computer systems

Data disk drives

Electronic data processing

Information storage and retrieval systems

Smithsonian Institution -- Employees

Photographic print

Contact Information:

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Horizon Information Portal 3.25_9382

Powered by SirsiDynix

About | © 2020 Smithsonian | Terms of Use | Privacy | Contact

SIRIS - Smithsonian Institution Research Information System