Building IBM: Shaping an Industry and Its Technology, written by Emerson W. Pugh, published in 1995, chronicles the history of International Business Machines (IBM) and its profound impact on the development of the information processing industry. Pugh, a former IBM researcher, draws upon extensive access to the company’s archives to provide a detailed and insightful account of IBM’s evolution, from its origins in the late 19th century to its dominance in the 20th century.
Pugh traces IBM’s roots to Herman Hollerith’s invention of punched-card machines for the 1890 U.S. Census and the subsequent formation of the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR). He highlights the pivotal role of Thomas J. Watson Sr. in transforming CTR into IBM and establishing its culture of salesmanship, customer service, and technological innovation. The book further explores the leadership of Thomas J. Watson Jr. and IBM’s rise to prominence in the computer age. Pugh also analyzes the challenges and transformations IBM faced in the later decades of the 20th century.
One of the book’s strengths is its comprehensive scope and depth of research. Pugh’s access to IBM’s archives allows him to provide a detailed and nuanced account of the company’s history, dispelling common myths and offering fresh perspectives on key events and figures. He combines technological analysis with business history, providing insights into both the innovations that drove IBM’s success and the strategic decisions that shaped its trajectory. The book also emphasizes the importance of corporate culture and leadership in IBM’s growth.
However, the book’s detailed and comprehensive nature may also be seen as a weakness by some readers. The sheer amount of information, particularly regarding specific technologies and business decisions, could be overwhelming for those seeking a more concise overview. Additionally, while Pugh provides valuable insights into IBM’s perspective, some readers might desire a more critical analysis of the company’s impact on the broader technological landscape and its competitors.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Building IBM stands as a definitive historical account of one of the most influential companies of the 20th century. It offers valuable lessons about corporate strategy, technological innovation, and the evolution of the computer industry. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of computing, the development of modern business practices, and the forces that shaped the information age.