Sage: An atomic bomb kicked off the biggest computing project in history

10 months ago

The Soviet Union's first atomic bomb detonation in 1949 prompted the US to develop SAGE, a real-time air defense system for North America.
SAGE was a massive collaborative project involving MIT, IBM, Burroughs, Western Electric, and SDC, integrating cutting-edge technologies.
IBM's involvement in SAGE was crucial, accounting for 80% of its computing revenue from 1952 to 1955 and leading to innovations like the Sabre flight reservation system.
The AN/FSQ-7 computer, developed by IBM, was central to SAGE, featuring advanced capabilities like real-time data processing and redundancy.
SAGE introduced groundbreaking technologies such as magnetic core memory, real-time operating systems, and interactive computer graphics.
The system operated across 27 locations, using modems and 25,000 telephone lines, and remained in service until 1984.
SAGE's legacy includes influencing IBM's future products like the IBM 704, Fortran, and the System/360, and becoming a cultural icon of Cold War technology.

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