COMPUTING.

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Photo album documenting the installation of IBM's 650 RAMAC computer at the Industrial Indemnity Exchange Company. The album records the installation of the first mass-produced computer at a large San Franciscan insurance brokers, from gutting and remodelling the building in preparation for its arrival to staffing the machine. In the latter case, the photographs highlight the role of women in early computing; they are seen working as computer and punch card operators and programmers.While slower than the IBM 701 and 702, which had mainly scientific applications, the 650 was a cheaper alternative for businesses and institutions. In contrast to the million-dollar mainframes of previous models, the 650 could be rented for around $1,000 per month, making it accessible to clients such as the military and universities. The Industrial Indemnity Exchange Company focused on workmen's compensation following the Second World War. The 650 increased their ability to underwrite, track, and process thousands of claims.

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