History of Computing: The Development of LEO

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the development and history of LEO, the world's first business computer. LEO was developed by the British catering company J. Lyons, initially through the establishment of a systems research office, which was assigned the task of identifying what potential business improvements could be made by changing processes. Lyons recognized that not only could changing business processes be best achieved by automating the process, the large development costs involved could be recouped because greater automation meant greater efficiency and thus a higher profit margin.
LEO's development began just after the end of the Second World War when Thomas Thompson and Oliver Standingford reported to the J. Lyons board of directors that business office efficiency could be greatly improved by the use of electronic computers. LEO was ready for operations in 1953, and was followed by the appearance of LEO II in 1957 and LEO III in the early 1960's. Ultimately, the paper concludes, LEO could not compete with much larger computer vendors as the computer revolution intensified and expanded, but it is justifiably recognized as the pioneering computer system that began this revolutionary era in business.

Outline:
The Development of LEO through Time
LEO's Influence and Application in the World of Business
Technological Description

From the Paper:

"As LEO systems developed over time, J. Lyons designers and consultants were guided by the important recognition that unlike most of the computer industry at this time, LEO's approach to computer design and incorporation into business was application-based, not technology-based. In terms of technology, LEO could not compete head to head with computer industry rivals, so J. Lyons' innovative approach to business processes was adapted as LEO evolved into LEO II and LEO III."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aris, John. (1997). L.E.O.: The Incredible Story of the World's First Business Computer. New York: McGraw Hill.
• Bird, Peter. (1994). Leo: The First Business Computer. Wokingham, UK: Hasler Publishing Limited.
• Caminer, D.T., Aris, J.B.B., Hermon, P.M.R., Land, F.F. (1996). User-Driven Innovation: The World's First Business Computer. Maidenhead, UK: McGraw-Hill.
• _ _ _. (1997). "LEO and its Applications: The Beginning of Business Computing". The Computer Journal, Vol. 40, No. 10.
• _ _ _. (2003). "Behind the Curtain at LEO: A Personal Reminiscence". IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, Vol. 25, No. 2, April-June, pp 3-13.

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