Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation
| Formerly | Electronic Control Company (1946–1947) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology |
| Founded | March 1946 |
| Founders | J. Presper Eckert, John Mauchly |
| Defunct | Template:End date and age |
| Fate | acquired by Remington Rand |
| Products | Computers |
The Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation (EMCC), operational from March 1946 until 1950, was an innovative enterprise established by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly. Officially incorporated on December 22, 1947, the company originated following their development of the ENIAC at the University of Pennsylvania. EMCC specialized in designing computers for both commercial and military applications. Initially called the Electronic Control Company, it adopted its later name upon incorporation. In 1950, the firm was acquired by Remington Rand, which subsequently merged with Sperry Corporation to create Sperry Rand, now known as Unisys.
Founding
Before forming EMCC, Mauchly undertook comprehensive market analysis in 1944 to evaluate computing requirements from prospective clients such as the United States Census Bureau and the Army Signal Corps. These consultations revealed a strong demand for faster, more adaptable machines that could minimize inefficiencies like punch card handling and improve encryption processes—reflecting significant government interest.
By early 1946, Eckert and Mauchly had obtained a contract through the University of Pennsylvania from the U.S. Army to develop the EDVAC, envisioned as ENIAC’s successor, at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering. However, university regulations mandating surrender of intellectual property rights led them to resign, which delayed EDVAC’s progress. After considering positions with IBM and collaborating with John von Neumann’s group at the Institute for Advanced Study, they established the Electronic Controls Corporation in Philadelphia to independently advance their business objectives.
UNIVAC
In 1948, Mauchly secured a contract with the United States Census Bureau to produce what was initially called "EDVAC II," later renamed UNIVAC I, targeting deployment for the 1950 census. Eckert recruited engineers from the Moore School to design and manufacture large-scale computing systems, introducing magnetic tape technology for rapid data storage. Mauchly expanded marketing efforts and created a software division responsible for developing applications such as the first compiler for Short Code. Notable programmers including Kathleen McNulty, Betty Holberton, Grace Hopper, and Jean Bartik joined from the Moore School team.
Accusations of communist infiltration
EMCC obtained military contracts to supply UNIVAC machines to the Army, Navy, and Air Force; nevertheless, these agreements were canceled during the McCarthy period amid allegations that some engineers employed by the company had "Communistic sympathies." This resulted in loss of government security clearances and prohibited company president Mauchly from accessing company facilities. After contesting these allegations for two years, Mauchly was eventually reinstated; however, by that time UNIVAC’s schedule was significantly behind. The programming necessary for UNIVAC I’s involvement in forecasting the 1952 Presidential election was completed by Mauchly alongside statistician Max Woodbury at Mauchly’s residence in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
BINAC and Financial Challenges
Confronted with cash flow difficulties and setbacks related to the UNIVAC project, EMCC undertook the BINAC contract for Northrop Corporation aiming to accelerate revenue generation. Initial projections for development expenses were significantly underestimated, and by mid-1948, EMCC’s financial resources were nearly depleted. Harry L. Straus, vice president of American Totalisator Company, invested $500,000 into the company, acquiring a 40% stake and assuming the role of EMCC’s board chairman. Straus recognized the potential of BINAC technology within the racetrack industry. Following his passing in 1949, American Totalisator withdrew its backing, exacerbating EMCC’s monetary difficulties.
The BINAC system was constructed at EMCC’s Philadelphia facility and delivered in 1949; however, Northrop reported functional problems upon receipt. Due to security protocols, EMCC personnel were barred from reassembling the machine onsite, leading Northrop to designate another engineer for assembly. EMCC asserted that the machine’s operational status after shipment demonstrated robust design integrity. It was speculated that Northrop postponed assembly efforts, resulting in BINAC remaining disassembled for a prolonged interval.
Acquisition by Remington Rand
Optimistic forecasts regarding expenses and delivery timelines once again placed EMCC under financial pressure. By early 1950, the company actively sought acquisition, culminating in Remington Rand purchasing EMCC on February 15, 1950. The entity was rebranded as the "Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corp Subsidiary of Remington Rand," undergoing several subsequent name changes including becoming known as the "UNIVAC division." The inaugural UNIVAC was delivered in March 1951; although it missed the 1950 census deadline, it was later extensively utilized by the United States Census Bureau for data processing tasks.
Mauchly resigned from the company in 1952 despite a contractual agreement that prohibited his involvement in other computer projects until 1960. In 1955, Remington Rand merged with Sperry Corporation; by 1975, this division was renamed Sperry UNIVAC. The corporate heritage persists today under the Unisys name.
External links
- John W. Mauchly and the Development of the ENIAC Computer
- Machine Launched a World of Change, by Kay Mauchly Antonelli, one of the first ENIAC programmers and wife of J. W. Mauchly
- Oral history interview with Isaac Levin Auerbach, Charles Babbage Institute, University of Minnesota, recounting his experiences at Electronic Control Company (later Eckert-Mauchly Computer Company) during 1947–49, including evaluations of BINAC, UNIVAC, and roles of key industry players like National Bureau of Standards, Northrop Aircraft, Raytheon, Remington Rand, and IBM.
- Oral history interview with Earl Edgar Masterson, Charles Babbage Institute, University of Minnesota, discussing his work with Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation on the UNIVAC I and design of a high-speed printer.
- 1946 establishments in Pennsylvania
- 1986 disestablishments in Pennsylvania
- American companies established in 1950
- American companies disestablished in 1986
- Companies based in Philadelphia
- Computer companies established in 1950
- Computer companies disestablished in 1986
- Defunct companies based in Pennsylvania
- Defunct computer companies of the United States
- Defunct computer hardware companies
- Defunct computer systems companies
- Electronics companies established in 1950
- Electronics companies disestablished in 1986
- Technology companies established in 1950
- Technology companies disestablished in 1986
- 1950 mergers and acquisitions
- Remington Rand
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment