A Look at the Evolution and Resilience of Spreadsheets: From Mainframes to Modern Times

Spreadsheets have become an indispensable tool in the digital age for managing, analyzing, and visualizing data. However, the concept and realization of the spreadsheet existed long before the advent of personal computers and the iconic VisiCalc. This article delves into the history of spreadsheets, with a particular focus on an IBM 370/145 mainframe system developed in the 1970s. We will explore its features, functionality, and the significant impact it had on modern spreadsheet design.

Early Beginnings

The roots of spreadsheets extend far back in computing history. The idea of an electronic spreadsheet predated personal computers. As early as 1974, IBM 370/145 mainframe systems were programmed with spreadsheet functionality, well before the release of VisiCalc on the Apple II in 1979.

Development and Functionality

This groundbreaking spreadsheet was developed at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in Northwich, Cheshire, UK. The system ran continuously from 1974 to 2001, a period spanning over two and a half decades without any known bugs. This longevity speaks to the robust design and reliable performance of the system.

The system was written in IBM Assembler language and utilized the IBM CICS (Customer Information Control System) teleprocessing system. It supported 24 x 80 column IBM 3270 terminals, and could, in theory, run unchanged on the latest IBM Z architecture. This remarkable compatibility showcases the foresight of its developers in designing a flexible and future-proof system.

The IBM 370/145-based spreadsheet was a multi-user, fully networked system. Each cell within the spreadsheet contained a units attribute, such as pounds, kilograms, tonnes, litres, gallons, inches, and millimetres. A distinctive feature of this system was the ability to automatically roll up data for fixed time periods, such as shifts, days, weeks, months, and years, eliminating the need for repetitive formulae. Functions like square roots, sine, cosine, and conditional logic were also integrated into the system, further enhancing its utility.

Impact on Modern Spreadsheets

While the IBM 370/145 spreadsheet system is no longer in use, its influence on the modern spreadsheet cannot be overstated. Many of its features, such as the units attribute and the ability to roll up data automatically, are now standard in contemporary spreadsheet software. The system also pioneered the concept of named cells, which can be reused across multiple spreadsheets to form a comprehensive data pathway, a feature commonly seen in modern spreadsheet tools like Excel and Google Sheets.

Documentation and Recognition

The user documentation of the IBM 370/145 spreadsheet system was sent to the Computer History Museum in California. However, the system is not prominently featured in the museum#8217;s exhibits, which include the more widely recognized VisiCalc as part of their "Hall of Fame." This discrepancy highlights the need for broader recognition of early computing technologies and the individuals who developed them.

While historical inaccuracies can be frustrating, it underscores the fact that technology is a product of real people and their collective efforts. The IBM 370/145 spreadsheet system stands as a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of its creators, and its impact on the modern spreadsheet remains significant.

Conclusion

The early development of the spreadsheet on mainframe systems, particularly the IBM 370/145, is a remarkable story of how advanced technologies from the past still resonate today. The features and functionalities introduced in this system have evolved into the sophisticated tools we use today, underscoring the ongoing importance of historical context in understanding and appreciating contemporary technology.

Finally, it is worth acknowledging the real people who build, design, and use these systems, rather than relying solely on the curated history presented by large platforms like Wikipedia.