Fifty Years Ago .... from the pages of Computer Weekly

17th April 1975 computing, compiled by TNMOC volunteer archivist, Brian Aldous.

A selection of stories from Computer Weekly from 17th April 1975. The full archive of Computer Weekly can be seen at TNMOC, where there are special rolling displays of front pages from 25 and 40 years ago.

Checking on defence equipment: The performance of a variety of military equipment under development by the Ministry of Defence is to be assessed and recorded with the aid of specialised database management software now in the final stages of implementation. Known as the Reliability Data System, it was developed by Stephen Howe (Consultants) of New Malden, Surrey. The Ministry will use the software in the first instance on an ICL 1903 at one of its research and development establishments. Details of the type of equipment to be monitored are not available, but Howe claims that the system, with small modifications, is applicable to any electronic or mechanical devices “from cars to computers”. (CW 441 17/4/1975 p10)

First supermarket PoS systems in UK: The first supermarket point-of-sale checkout systems in the UK have been ordered for installation at two hypermarkets set up by local retail co-operative societies in Lancashire. Both installations are to be based on NCR 255 systems. Research into the performance and capabilities of various systems, and promised delivery dates, was carried out by the Co-operative Wholesale Society, which reported its findings to the retail societies involved. In July the 60,000 square foot Selda Superstores at Failsworth, South East Lancashire is to install 20 NCR 255 terminals controlled by a 32K 726 minicomputer. This installation will be followed in October by a second at Widnes where the Warrington Co-operative Society is to open a 75,000 square foot store with 24 NCR 255 checkout points. This system will also be controlled by a 32K 726 processor. (CW 441 17/4/1975 p40)