Topic- Computer evolution in India.
Phase I
The history of computer technologies evolution in India way started in 1950’s. The first administration to build a digital computer in India was under the leadership of R Narasimhan at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bombay. The TIFRAC (TIFR Automatic Computer) was started in 1955 and completed in the year 1959. TIFRAC could process upto 2048 word in memory (40 bit word, 15 microsecond cycle time) and for the display output there was a use of Cathode ray tube. TIFRAC was designed to solve the physics problems at TIFR and also in Atomic Energy establishment. With this project India could build and design computers effectively.
During 1960’s there was non foreign exchange outflow in computer industry. IBM and British Tabulation machines (latter it was renamed as ICL) were established there name by selling Mechanical accounting machines in India. IBM and ICL were issued licenses and agreements in order to established computer manufacturing plant in India, IBM then started making punch card machines and exported them in different countries from India.
Phase II
In the year 1970 Department of Electronics was established aiming to enhance technologies of electronics and led to the establishment of computer divisions within PSU company ECIL (Electronics Corporation of India Limited). ECIL designed TDC-12 a 12 bit real time minicomputer in mid of year 1969 it was later upgraded to TDC-312 followed by TDC-316 a 16 bit computer built in 1975. In the year 1978 ECIL made MICRO-78 system which was purely based on microprocessor. ECIL from year 1971 to 1978 made 98 computers that were sold in government laboratories and in different universities for research. ECIL’s major contribution was providing Air Defense Ground Environment Systems to the Indian Air Force.
In year 1978 minicomputer policy was made after the exit of IBM from India that allows technical entrepreneurs who started computer manufacturing like WIPRO and HCL that are still prominent computer industries across the globe.
Phase III
In year 1984 when Rajiv Gandhi became the Prime Minister of India, a liberalized policy was made on minicomputers that allows private sector companies to manufacture computers. In that year private sector companies allowed to manufacture unlimited 32-bit machines. Private sector companies also manufactured assembled boards with microprocessors and interface electronics to be imported along with application software with less imported duty. Due to liberalization policy the growth of computers went up to 100% and 50% decline in cost. Computerization of Indian Railway’s Seat Reservation System was started in year 1984 and completed in 1986. In the Seat Reservation System entire software was made by Indian programmers without any foreign advisers.
Phase IV
In year 1991 India was imposed to a big financial crisis as World Bank bailed out India due to external debt and set conditions that forces Indian government to liberalize the Indian economy.
In the year 1990-1991 Indian software companies earn by exporting software around more than US$125 million. Earning was exponentially increase around more than US$ 1.70 billion in during year 1997-98 with exact growth of 45% per year. Indian software companies standardized way of working in industries. Indian software companies invented GDM (Global Delivery Model) and 24-hour working hours for IT industry
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