Computer history - 1959

Updated: 12/26/2023 by Computer Hope

Major computer events in 1959

COBOL pin

The COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) programming language first appeared.

CalComp released the first drum plotter, the Model 565, in 1959.

New computer products and services introduced in 1959

Motorola produced the two-way, fully transistorized mobile radio in 1959.

IBM introduced the IBM 1401 data processing system, the first computer system to reach 10,000 units in sales. The system included the IBM 1403 printer, the industry's first commercial "chain" printer.

Computer and technology-related events in 1959

On January 2, 1959, Luna 1 was launched and became the first artificial satellite to leave Earth's orbit and within 6,000km of the moon's surface.

The Luna 2 was launched on September 12, 1959, and became the first human-made object to land on the moon on September 14, 1959.

With the merger of the British Tabulating Machine Company and Powers-Samas, ICT (International Computers and Tabulators) was founded in 1959.

The data structure for what would become "trie" was first described by computer scientist René de la Briandais in 1959.

Leonard Kleinrock started developing packetization in 1959.

The phrase "machine learning" was coined by IBM engineer and AI (artificial intelligence) pioneer Arthur Samuel in 1959.

The photocopier was introduced by Xerox in 1959.

The Harvard-MARK I was turned off for the last time in 1959.

The first fully automatic production line for transistors was designed by IBM engineers in Poughkeepsie, New York. When placed in operation in 1960, the line produced and tested 1800 individual transistors an hour.

IBM introduced the 1620 scientific computer.

IBM introduced the 357 data collection system.

IBM introduced the 1210 magnetic character-reader/sorter.

IBM introduced the 9090 to automate airline reservation systems.

IBM released the Model C Standard and "Executive" typewriters.

Computer companies and organizations founded in 1959

CalComp was founded in 1959.

CSC was founded in 1959.

Hitachi was founded in 1959.

Kontron was founded in 1959.

Kyoto Ceramic Company was founded in 1959.

Microsemi was founded in 1959.

National Semiconductor was founded in 1959.

International Computers and Tabulators was formed in 1959 by merging the British Tabulating Machine Company and Powers-Samas.

Computer company events in 1959

The Underwood typewriter company was acquired by Olivetti in 1959.

Computer pioneers born in 1959

Danese Cooper

Danese Cooper was born on January 19, 1959.

Peter Molyneux was born on May 5, 1959.

Nathan Myhrvold was born on August 3, 1959.

Stephen Wolfram was born on August 29, 1959.

Ken McCarthy was born on September 20, 1959.

Richard Brodie was born on November 10, 1959.

David Culler was born on November 12, 1959.

Brian Fox was born on December 11, 1959.

Robert Gentleman was born in 1959.

Feng-hsiung Hsu was born in 1959.

Harald Alvestrand was born in 1959.

Jake Winebaum was born in 1959.

Computer pioneer deaths in 1959

Dudley Buck

Dudley Buck passed away on May 21, 1959 (Age: 32).

Louis Ridenour passed away on May 21, 1959 (Age: 47).

Edith Clarke passed away on October 29, 1959 (Age: 76).

Paul Galvin passed away on November 5, 1959 (Age: 64).

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