Paul Strassmann's Storefront

The Computers Nobody Wanted: My Years at XeroxThe Computers Nobody Wanted: My Years at Xerox (book)

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"The "Computers Nobody Wanted" is a history of an ill-conceived acquisition, in 1969, of Xerox's entry into the computer business to its subsequent abandonment. The text discusses attempts to convert a superior scientific computer to replace Xerox' own IBM computers that were processing business applications. The author was responsible for managing these conversions against technical obstacles that could not be overcome. After spending tens of millions for technology improvements, Xerox decided to exit form the computer business. The book also traces investments in a computer workstation - the STAR computer - from conception in 1973 to its dissolution in 1984. It describes the pioneering research at the Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) and how an inspired group produced superb innovations that were of no commercial value. During this epoch Strassmann was Vice-President of Strategic Planning for the Information Products Group that was responsible for transfer of PARC results to the marketplace.

Paul's War: Slovakia, 1938-1945Paul's War: Slovakia, 1938-1945 (book)

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Paul’s War tells about the experiences of a fifteen-year-old who joined a partizan unit in September 1944, to derail German trains on a strategic railroad in Slovakia. Military actions and survival in the mountains during a brutal winter are described as often tragic events. Paul stayed with the partizans until the end of war when he joined the Czechoslovak army. The text includes recollections about the influences that formed Paul’s attitudes that enabled him to choose combat as a way of escaping the Germans. The section about Family offers portrayals of the personalities of his relatives, with special attention devoted to his Father, a former military officer.

Paul's Odyssey: America 1946-1985Paul's Odyssey: America 1946-1985 (book)

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PAUL’S ODYSSEY follows experiences from his arrival in New York in 1948 until retirement from a corporate career in 1985. It tracks education from the Cooper Union and M.I.T. through increasingly senior computer-related jobs in General Foods, the National Dairy Products Corporation and in Xerox. Failed attempts to introduce computers made by Xerox Data Systems and the missed opportunities to advance innovations from the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) are discussed in detail. After retirement as Vice-President of Xerox, he continues an active career as consultant, lecturer, public servant and academic.

The Economics of Corporate Information SystemsThe Economics of Corporate Information Systems (book)

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An economic analysis of investments in computers, including illustrative workbooks, examples of productivity analysis and how to apply knowledge value metrics. Includes 55 Tables, 27 Figures and a collection of 18 illustrative Calculators to show the methods and analysis applied in the management of information,