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Standing lever system
Charles Babbage had developed the idea of using punch-cards in a way of setting off levers in a specific order. In his description of the Calculating Engine's Store, he described the cards as "pierced with certain holes and stand opposite levers connected with a set of figure wheels [...] advanced they push in those levers opposite to which there are no holes on the card and thus transfer that number." This system enhanced the efficiency of machines that created fabric or spun wool. -
First recorded use of punchcards
Semen Korsakov is recorded to be the first user of punch-cards in order to store information and data. He announced his machine and process, and instead of attracting users, he made it available for public use. -
"Programming" tabulators
Herman Hollerith made use of punch-cards to "program" his tabulators. These machines were used to organize data in columns and tables. This enhanced business recording systems, and it later became a major component of IBM computers. -
IBM gets involved.
IBM released a new version of the punch-cards, using rectangular holes and 80 columns. This innovations pushed IBM to the front of the field of computer processing, which absolutely benefited it as a long-term business. Each hole represented piece of data, or a bit. Doesn't that term sound familiar? -
IBM makes profit off of punch-cards.
By the mid-1950's, 20% of IBMs revenue was made from selling punch-cards, and 30% of its bottom-line as well. -
Production dies down.
By the late 1960s, the production of punch-cards had died down. However, it remained to be the major component of for the input-output medium for electronic computers. -
Other uses.
As alternatives and descendants of punch-cards evolved, punch-cards were used less and less as components for computers. They now served as areas for presentation notes because they fit comfortable in a suit! Secretaries used them for writing phone messages and driving directions. Even IBM executives printed out their calenders on them. Very important! These cards have served as the basis for computers today, and stand as a very important base for business and computers alike.
