THE COMPUTATION CENTER [CENTRO DE CÁLCULO] AT MADRID UNIVERSITY. 1966-1973

The Computation Center at Madrid University (CCUM) is an example of how computation centers, mathematicians and some private computer companies became generators of interaction between technology and other disciplines. In January 1966, Madrid University reached an agreement with IBM to set up a computation center which was, however, not officially opened to the public until March 1969 (so in 2019 we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of that event). IBM agreed to give an IBM 70904 and an IBM 14015 computer to Madrid University and contribute the equivalent of 18,000 euros per year for research scholarships. This center was the first computation center in Spain and these computers were two of the most advanced computers in Europe at that time. Before this center was opened in Madrid, there were only small computers in some departments of various Spanish universities. This is the reason why, although this center was integrated into the Madrid University structure, it was thought to be open to all research and education centers in Spain. Its initial purpose was to foster the use of new mathematic calculation techniques in research and education in Spain, and to support the calculation needs of the Spanish university community. Thus, CCUM’s initial activities were grouped in two main sections: calculation support for University departments, and computer and programming training for students and other professionals not only in Madrid, but all over Spain.

 

Credit: Jürgen Grünwald

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