Who patented the first computer designed for data processing?
The first COMPUTER DESIGNED expressly for data processing was patented by Dr Herman Hollerith of New York on 8 January 1889. The prototype model of this electrically operated tabulator was built for the US Census Bureau and employed for computing results in the 1890 Census. Using punched cards containing information submitted by respondents to the Census questionnaire, the Hollerith machine was able to make instant tabulations by means of electrical impulses actuated by each hole and printed out the processed data on tape. Dr Hollerith left the Census Bureau in 1896 to establish the Tabulating Machine Co. to manufacture and sell his equipment. This eventually became IBM, and the 80-column punched card used by the company is still known as the ‘Hollerith card’
