David Caminer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Caminer
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| Born | 26 June 1915 |
| Died | 19 June 2008 (aged 92) |
| Other names | David Treisman |
| Occupation | Systems analyst |
| Employer | J. Lyons and Co. |
David Caminer (born June 26, 1915 – died June 19, 2008) was a British computer expert. He helped create the world's first computer made for businesses. This computer was called LEO, which stood for Lyons Electronic Office.
Many people call David Caminer "the world's first software engineer." He was also known as "the first business application programmer." This is because he designed how the very first business tasks would run on a computer.
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David Caminer's Life and Work
David Caminer was born David Treisman in the East End of London. His father passed away during the First World War. When his mother got married again, David took his stepfather's last name, Caminer.
Serving in the Army
In March 1943, David Caminer was serving in the Green Howards army group. He was in Tunisia during the Second World War. He was injured during the Battle of Mareth.
Creating the LEO Computer
Caminer worked in areas like managing how things operate and tracking costs. He was a key person in designing the LEO (Lyons Electronic Office). He worked alongside another computer designer, John Pinkerton.
The Guinness World Records has officially named LEO as the world's first computer for business. This was a huge step forward for technology!
Working at J. Lyons and Co.
David Caminer started working at Lyons & Co. in 1936. This company was famous for its tea shops and bakeries. He began as a trainee in management.
Later, he became the manager of the Lyons Systems Research Office. This is where he focused on new computer ideas. In 1959, he became a director at LEO Computers Ltd.
Work for Europe
David Caminer later worked as a project director. He helped set up a computer and communication system for the European Economic Community. This system was for the European Common Market.
For his important work, he received an award called the Order of the British Empire in 1980. This award is given to people who have done great things for the United Kingdom.
Lessons from LEO
Caminer often talked about the LEO computer's story. He explained that creating new computer technology is often complex. It can involve money from the government and research from universities.
He also showed that even very advanced products might not always become big commercial successes. The LEO story teaches us how new ideas in computers often involve many different groups. It also shows that it can be tricky to make them successful in business.
In 2001, he gave a special talk called the IEE Pinkerton Lecture. David Caminer passed away in June 2008, when he was 92 years old.
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