IBM Hursley facts for kids
IBM Hursley is a special place in Hursley, England. It's a big lab where International Business Machines (IBM) creates new computer programs. This important center started in 1958 inside a beautiful old house called Hursley House. Since the 1950s, it has helped make many of IBM's software tools. Today, it's still where key software like CICS and MQ are made. One famous program from Hursley is CICS. This system helps run things like ATMs, and it was the first product from Hursley to earn over a billion dollars each year!
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What is IBM Hursley?
IBM Hursley is a huge research and development center. It's like a giant workshop where smart people invent new computer software. This lab is owned by IBM, a very famous technology company. It's located in the quiet village of Hursley in Hampshire, England.
A Historic Start
The Hursley lab began in 1958. Its first home was Hursley House, a grand mansion built in the 1700s. This house has a special look called Queen Anne style. At first, IBM only used the house and its gardens.
Growing Bigger and Better
In 1963, IBM bought even more land around the house. They bought 100 acres, which is about 405,000 square meters. Since then, they have built many modern office buildings there. Today, over 1,500 people work at IBM Hursley.
What Software Do They Make?
IBM Hursley is known for making important software. They create programs that help businesses and computers work better.
CICS: The ATM Brain
One of their most famous creations is the Customer Information Control System, or CICS. This software is super important! It's used in many places, like when you use an ATM to get money. CICS was the first product from Hursley to make over a billion dollars a year.
MQ Technology
Another key software developed here is called MQ. This technology helps different computer programs talk to each other. It makes sure messages get from one program to another safely and quickly.
Visiting IBM Hursley
IBM Hursley isn't just a place where people work. It also has special areas for visitors and learning.
The IBM Client Centre
The facility has something called the IBM Client Centre. This is a special place where other companies can come. They can test IBM's software in a safe environment. They also work with IBM experts to learn how to use the software best. It's a place for trying out new ideas and seeing if technology works for them.
Hursley House and Museum
The original Hursley House is still used today. It's an Executive Briefing Centre, where important meetings happen. This house is a Grade II* listed building, which means it's very old and important.
In the lower part of Hursley House, there's a cool place called the IBM Hursley Museum. This museum shows the history of computing. You can learn about IBM Hursley Park, IBM in the United Kingdom, and the history of the whole IBM company. It's a great place to see how computers have changed over time!
