Influence of U.S. Cryptologic Organizations on the digital computer industry
The modern electronic digital computers, beginning with the successors to ENIAC, all benefited from U.S. government financial support in their infancy. Of all involvements by government agencies in early computer developments, perhaps least known was the major role played by the National Security Agency and its predecessor organizations. This story is told for the first time. The impact was felt not only in machines built for that agency, but several commercial models reflected some of the features originated by and for NSA. Also, fundamental engineering and materials investigations were supported, beginning in 1957, in a massive 5-year research program.