NEW ZEALANDGIS History
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Government computing

IBM 650

ComputerIBM 650 IBM Type 650

The IBM 650 was installed at Treasury in 1960 and formally opened in March 1961. Its first major public-service task was the fortnightly payroll for about 34,000 staff.

Sources · 1
  1. A. C. Shailes, “The impact of computers on the public sector” (1980), ITPNZ history

The installed data-processing system used magnetic tape and punched-card output. The computer room needed air conditioning, a raised floor for cables and standby power.

Sources · 2
  1. A. C. Shailes, “The impact of computers on the public sector” (1980), ITPNZ history
  2. Brian E. Carpenter, “The First Computer in New Zealand”
Sources and further reading · 2
  1. A. C. Shailes, “The impact of computers on the public sector” (1980), ITPNZ history
  2. Brian E. Carpenter, “The First Computer in New Zealand”

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