What is icl?

ICL, or International Computers Limited, was a British computer company that played a significant role in the development of computing technology in the UK and internationally during the latter half of the 20th century. Here are some key points about ICL:

1. Founding and Purpose: ICL was formed in 1968 through the merger of several British computer companies, primarily English Electric Leo Marconi and International Computers and Tabulators (ICT). The merger was part of a UK government initiative to create a competitive national computer company to rival international giants like IBM.

2. Product Range: ICL was known for developing mainframe and minicomputer systems. Their product lines included the ICL 1900 series, the ICL 2900 series, and later, the ICL Series 39 mainframes. They also ventured into personal computing in the 1980s, producing products like the ICL One Per Desk.

3. Innovations and Contributions: ICL was involved in various innovative projects and technological developments. They were known for their work on operating systems, database management, and they played a crucial role in the commercialization of computing in the UK.

4. Acquisition: The company experienced various levels of success and struggled with competition and the rapid pace of technological change. In 1990, ICL was acquired by the Japanese company Fujitsu, which marked the end of ICL as an independent entity. Under Fujitsu, ICL continued to operate under its own brand until the early 2000s.

5. Legacy and Impact: ICL's legacy lies in its contribution to the UK's computing industry and its role in advancing computer technology during its time. Many of the engineers and technologies from ICL found their way into other companies and projects, influencing the broader IT landscape.

Today, while the ICL brand no longer exists, its heritage is still recognized in the history of computing, particularly in the UK.