| Title: |
George M. Ryan
|
| Local code: |
OH 253
|
| Document type: |
Oral history
|
| Accessibility: |
Free Only
|
| Repository: |
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Charles Babbage Institute
|
| Collection: |
Charles Babbage Institute Oral History Program
|
| Description: |
After briefly describing his background and education, Ryan, former chairman and CEO of CADO Systems Corporation, discusses his work in the development and distribution of data processing equipment from the early 1950s through the early 1990s. He recalls work with Benson-Lehner in the early 1950s and he describes the firm's development of the computyper, a billing machine. Ryan discusses his role in the sale of the computyper to Friden and his employment by Friden. He recalls his frustration with Friden's attempts at further development of the product, his involvement in the acquisition of the Flexowriter for Friden, and his management of a branch for Friden in Los Angeles. Ryan recalls his return to Benson-Lehner from Friden in the late 1950s and the events leading to his formation of Intercontinental Systems Incorporated with Pete Taylor in the late 1960s. Ryan describes ISI's distribution and development of data processing equipment and his philosophy for the management of engineering and sales at ISI. Ryan recalls his idea to develop a computer for small businesses and describes his role in the partnership that became CADO Systems Corporation in 1976. He discusses the development of the computer by Jim Ferguson and Bob Thorne, his strategy of marketing the computer to small businesses and government offices, CADO's rapid growth, and the creation of additional product lines. Ryan concludes the interview by summarizing his activities since leaving CADO in 1983.
|
| Extent: |
80 pages
|
| URL: |
http://www.cbi.umn.edu/oh/pdf.phtml?id=239
|
| Original Language: |
English
|
| Time span: |
Not indicated ... to 1993 (Year of interview)
|
| Speaker: |
Ryan, George M., 1922-
|
| Speaker gender: |
Male
|
| Speaker date of birth: |
1922
|
| Speaker place of birth: |
Eau Claire, WI; Wisconsin; United States; North America
|
| Speaker occupation: |
Chairman; Chief executive officer
|
| Age at speaking: |
71
|
| Document location: |
Encino, CA
|
| Document date: |
10-Jun-1993
|
| Interviewer: |
Norberg, Arthur L.
|
| Locations discussed: |
North America; United States
|
| Topics discussed - ASP terms: |
Computer software; Electric engineering; Engineering; Information technology; North America; Oral history; Software engineering; United States
|
| Topics discussed - Other terms: |
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
|
| ASP release: |
2005-06
|
| Document code: |
OHI0024038-25584
|
