William Poduska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Poduska
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| Born |
John William Poduska
1937 (age 88–89) Memphis, Tennessee USA
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| Alma mater | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S., Electrical Engineering, 1959; M.S., 1960; D.Sc., 1962) |
| Occupation | engineer, businessman, professor |
| Known for | founder of Apollo Computer and Prime Computer |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Poduska |
| Children | Alice Ann Casey, Margo Poduska Kay, John William Poduska Jr., Mary Beth Pandiscio, Lily Ann Poduska |
John William Poduska Sr. is an American engineer and entrepreneur. An engineer designs and builds things, and an entrepreneur starts new businesses. He is famous for helping to create several important computer companies. These include Prime Computer, Apollo Computer, and Stellar Computer. Before starting these companies, he worked at NASA's Electronics Research Lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He also worked for a company called Honeywell.
Mr. Poduska has been involved in many other new technology companies. He also served on the boards of directors for several organizations. These included tech companies like Novell and Anadarko Petroleum. He also helped arts groups like the Boston Ballet and the Boston Lyric Opera.
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Bill Poduska: A Tech Pioneer
Bill Poduska was chosen as a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 1986. This is a very high honor for engineers. He was recognized for his leadership in computing. He helped develop Prime Computer, which made the first "virtual memory minicomputer." He also helped create Apollo Computer, which made the first "distributed, co-operating workstation."
Early Life and Education
John William Poduska Sr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He finished high school at Central High School in Memphis in 1955. After high school, he went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
He earned several degrees from MIT. He received a Bachelor of Science (S.B.) and a Master of Science (S.M.) in electrical engineering in 1960. He then earned a Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) in 1962.
Building Tech Companies
Mr. Poduska had a long and successful career in the computer industry. He played a key role in starting and leading several innovative companies.
- Prime Computer, Inc.
- He was a founder and the Vice President of Research and Development. Prime Computer was known for its minicomputers.
- Apollo Computer Inc.
- He was a founder and the Chairman of this company. Apollo Computer created powerful workstations that helped engineers and scientists.
- Stellar Computers Inc.
- He was the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Stellar Computers.
- Stardent Computer, Inc.
- He served as the President and CEO of Stardent Computer.
- Honeywell Inc.
- Before starting his own companies, he was the Director of the Honeywell Information Sciences Center.
- Novell, Inc.
- He also worked at Novell, a company known for its networking software.
- Cambridge Technology Partners
- Advanced Visual Systems Inc.
Awards and Recognition
Bill Poduska has received important awards for his work.
- He received the McDowell Award from the National Academy of Engineering in 1986. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the computer field.
