Nobuo Mii
Nobuo Mii | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan |
| Died | July 14, 2015 (aged 84) |
| Occupation(s) | Computer scientist, executive |
| Years active | 1955–1995 |
| Known for | Roles at NHK and IBM, development of IBM Kanji System, IBM 3767 terminal, leadership in Power Personal Systems |
Nobuo Mii (; July 4, 1931 – July 14, 2015), commonly referred to as Nobi by English-speaking colleagues, was a trailblazing figure in Japanese computing, recognized for his significant roles at NHK and IBM, and later as a leader in investment fund management.
Early life and education
Mii was born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, and completed his studies at Kyushu University in 1955. During his high school years, he led the Wireless Communications Club and pioneered the construction of Kyushu’s inaugural television system by repurposing surplus U.S. military components. This innovative project earned recognition from the Ministry of Education.
NHK
Following graduation, Mii joined the NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories. He was dispatched to Columbia University to advance his knowledge of transistor technology, which he subsequently applied to broadcasting innovations. Beginning in 1961, he played a key role in automating NHK’s program scheduling through the Total Online Program and Information Control System (TOPICS), developed collaboratively with IBM’s Federal Systems Division utilizing IBM System/360 and IBM 1800 computing platforms.
IBM
Mii’s achievements with TOPICS caught IBM’s attention, leading to his recruitment in 1969. His initial assignment involved work on the Apollo Project in the United States. By 1971, as Technical Operations Director at IBM Japan Development Laboratory, he spearheaded the creation of the IBM 3767 printer terminal that employed the then-new Systems Network Architecture protocol.
In 1973, elevated to Director of IBM Fujisawa Development Laboratory, Mii supervised initiatives aimed at both domestic and international markets. These included development of the IBM Kanji System, the "Gemstone" line of affordable terminals (IBM 3101, 3104, 3178/3179), and contributions to the design of the IBM 5550 and IBM JX. These projects laid foundational groundwork for IBM’s subsequent introduction of the IBM ThinkPad.
Promoted to IBM Corporate Vice President in 1990, Mii assumed leadership over Entry Systems and Power Personal Divisions and joined the board of KALEIDA in 1991. In 1993, he was appointed President of Power Personal Systems Company, where he concentrated on advancing and marketing the PowerPC microprocessor platform. He concluded his tenure at IBM in 1995.
Investment fund leadership
Post-IBM retirement, Mii managed the U.S. software division for Sega. In 1997, he established Ignite Group based in Silicon Valley, followed by founding Ignite Japan in 2000, where he served as Chairman.
See also
- NHK & NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories
- IBM System/360, IBM 1800 & Bob O. Evans
- IBM Kanji System, Systems Network Architecture, IBM 3767, IBM 3101, IBM 5550, IBM JX & ThinkPad
External links
- Nobuo Mii's Profile (IBM Archives)