Hybrid Computertab machine data centers

In a library, I found a late 1950s IBM proposal to install a 705-III computer system. Included with the proposal was proposed system operation which included considerable support work with traditional tabulating machines. In other words, some files would be maintained on punch cards alongside the computer and processed through tab gear such as the collator, sorter, and tabulator. Only the really complicated work would be fed into the computer and processed to-from tape files.

The computer had no disks. However, it would've provided an "on-line" inquiry function by suspending an ongoing program, loading in a special search program, doing a semi-indexed sequential search on tape files (that were always mounted), and typing the results on the console printer. Response time was estimated to be in minutes.

I believe they recommended ten tape drives.

Anyway, it appears back in the 1950s and early 1960s that tab machines play a vital role in data center operations working with electronic computers.

I wonder if that was a marketing decision by IBM so as to keep older tab machines still in service earning rent, or was necessary due to the limited I-O capability of electronic computers. Or maybe the electronic computer could only do so much work and the rest had to still be done the old way.

Remember, until the 1401 came out, card readers and printers for IBM mainframes were terribly slow--reading and printing 150 lines a minute. IBM simply modified its existing tab machines to serve as I-O units. The computer programs didn't format data, rather it was done by plugboards. The early machines allowed direct tape-to-tab and tab-to-tape copying to process card files offline while the mainframe was doing something else.

IIRC the proposal, a C-E would visit daily to power up the machine and ensure all tubes were working and replace any burned out.

The proposal itself was typewritten, using a carbon film ribbon and proportional type. By 1950s standards it looked good, but it was still obviously typewritten and there was an occasional character that hit the line wrong.