IBM established the department of computer science at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center in 1965. The department emphasized solving conceptual problems and included a wide range of research activities, including high-performance scientific computing systems, human factors, algorithm analysis and multiprocessing. Subsequently, other IBM Research labs around the world also established computer science research programs.
To foster productive collaborations with the broader technical community, IBM Research ultimately established Professional Interest Communities (PICs). The PICs are generally acknowledged research categories within the disciplines of computer science, electrical engineering and mathematical sciences. These categories – or communities – draw on IBM researchers worldwide and are modeled on professional societies, such as ACM Special Interest Groups and IEEE Technical Societies.
The PICs – a vital part of the division’s innovative culture – have grown from eight in 1998 to nearly 30 today.
IBM researchers have contributed many landmark technical innovations, including: compiler optimization (FORTRAN), relational database (SQL and DB2®), speech recognition (ViaVoice), Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC - RS/6000 and Power PC), fractals, cryptography and security (DES encryption and HMAC message authentication), scalable parallel systems (RS/6000 SP), the Deep Blue chess playing computer, the BlueGene/L supercomputer and key contributions to Web Services standards and middleware (WebSphere®).
Computer Science at IBM Research now counts more than 1,000 computer science researchers at labs in Almaden, CA; Austin, TX; Cambridge, MA; Westchester County, NY; China; Haifa; India; Tokyo and Zurich.
Last updated on January 9, 2008