The Computers Nobody Wanted: My Years at Xerox

"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.