Robert Palmer (computer businessman)
Robert B. Palmer | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 11, 1940 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Technology executive |
| Known for | Last Chairman and CEO of Digital Equipment Corporation |
Robert B. Palmer (born September 11, 1940) is an American executive recognized for his leadership roles in the computer sector, notably as the last Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Education
Palmer completed his undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Physics at Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas.
Mostek Corporation
In 1969, Palmer co-established Mostek Corporation, a semiconductor firm specializing in logic, memory, and microprocessor chip production. Following its 1980 acquisition by United Technologies Corporation (UTC), Palmer was appointed executive vice president overseeing semiconductor operations.
Digital Equipment Corporation
Palmer joined Digital in 1985 and was promoted to president and CEO by 1992. He held the position of chairman from 1995 until Digital's acquisition by Compaq in 1998.
Restructuring at Digital Equipment Corporation
From 1993 through 1998, Palmer spearheaded significant organizational changes that involved reducing the workforce by more than 60,000 employees and closing manufacturing facilities to enhance the company's market position. Strategic initiatives during this period included collaborating with Mitsubishi in 1993 to produce the Alpha 21066 microprocessor and divesting the Rdb database software division to Oracle Corporation in 1994.
In 1995, Digital secured a long-term contract with Raytheon to modernize the onboard computer systems of the US Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. That same year, Digital sold its text terminal business to SunRiver Data Systems, which later became Boundless Technologies.
During 1997, Digital offloaded its printing systems segment to GENICOM and its networking division to Cabletron. Additionally, a patent litigation concerning Pentium processor technology with Intel culminated in Digital selling its semiconductor manufacturing assets to Intel in 1998.
On November 13, 1997, Palmer unveiled a corporate strategy shift emphasizing Internet-driven Enterprise Computing.
Acquisition of Digital by Compaq
In June 1998, Compaq purchased Digital for roughly $9 billion. Palmer resigned following the completion of merger negotiations.
Post-Digital Equipment Corporation
After departing Digital, Palmer joined the boards of various organizations such as Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), SEMATECH, the Semiconductor Industry Association, the Semiconductor Research Corporation, Cicada Semiconductor Inc., and NLine Corporation.
He also contributes as a trustee for the Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research, a nonprofit dedicated to preventive healthcare.
Honors
In recognition of his lifelong commitment to innovation, Palmer was honored with the Edison Achievement Award in 1995.