British Tabulating Machine Company

The British Tabulating Machine Company (BTM) was a firm which manufactured and sold Hollerith punched-card machines and other data-processing equipment. During World War II, BTM constructed a number of "bombes", machines used at Bletchley Park to break the German Enigma machine ciphers.

Related Topics:
World War II - Bombe - Bletchley Park - Enigma machine

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The company was formed in 1902 as The Tabulator Limited, after Robert Porter obtained the rights to sell Herman Hollerith's patented punched card machines from the US Tabulating Machine Company (later to become IBM). By 1907, the company had been renamed the "British Tabulating Machine Company Limited". In 1920, the company moved from London to Letchworth, Hertfordshire.

Related Topics:
1902 - Herman Hollerith - Punched card - Tabulating Machine Company - 1907 - 1920 - Letchworth - Hertfordshire

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During World War II, BTM was called upon to design and manufacture a machine to assist breaking the German Enigma machine ciphers. This machine, known as a bombe, was initially conceived by Alan Turing, but the actual machine was designed by BTM chief engineer Harold 'Doc' Keen. The project was codenamed "CANTAB". By the end of the European war, over two hundred bombes had been built and installed.

Related Topics:
Ciphers - Alan Turing - Harold 'Doc' Keen

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In 1959 BTM merged with former rival Powers-Samas to become International Computers and Tabulators Limited (ICT). ICT later became part of ICL (International Computers Ltd).

Related Topics:
1959 - Powers-Samas - International Computers and Tabulators - International Computers Ltd

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