Information technology revolution books help to chronicle the evolution of the digital age as we see it today. The series presents books that highlight the contribution of individuals who created the building blocks for the information technology revolution. The books if read sequentially will best provide knowledge of the evolution.
Table of Contents
Beginning of a Revolution – Microprocessors
The Chip: How Two Americans Invented the Microchip
The modern computer industry foundation was laid by Robert Noyce and Jack Kilby. After working for William Shockley, a co-inventor of the transistor, Noyce left the company Shockley Semiconductor along with eight others to start Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation. This was a precursor to the formation of Intel Corporation in 1968.
Jack Kilby worked at Texas Instrument and was the inventor of the first integrated circuit using germanium. Robert Noyce invented a silicon-based integrated circuit that could be mass-produced unlike the germanium-based IC’s. At Intel, Noyce oversaw the invention of microprocessors which enabled the personal computer revolution.
The book The Chip: How Two Americans Invented the Microchip by Washington Post reported T.R. Reid documents the adventurous journey of these two heroes of the modern computer world. The book provides insights into personalities, organizations, and institutions that worked together to create the digital world of today.
You can watch the documentary AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | Silicon Valley Chapter 1 about microprocessor industry and Robert Noyce.
The Intel Trinity
The Intel Trinity is about the founding team of Intel, the company behind microprocessors that powers telecommunications, personal computers, and the Internet.
Intel Trinity provides details on how the combination of the inventing genius of Robert Noyce, technology capabilities of Gordon Moore of the famous Moore Law’s, and the management expertise of Andy Grove created the most iconic symbol of the digital age. Without any one of these personalities, the company would not have achieved success.
The Intel Trinity is useful for entrepreneurs and senior management professional’s role to understand the DNA of success in the hyper-competitive innovative world. You have used the promotional campaign buzzword Intel Inside as a benchmark of quality for buying computing devices. If you are interested to know the origin of Intel then this book is for you also.
Personal Computers – Apple and Microsoft are born
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, the name is synonymous with the personal computing revolution and as the creator of the most iconic company of the modern era, Apple Inc. Even as the book takes you through Job’s life journey, it documents milestones that reflect the important stages of the evolution of the digital world.
The stories, trials, and tabulations behind the development of the Macintosh, Pixar, the iMac, the iPhone, the iPad, and the most important product of the century the iPhone are mentioned in detail. Jobs working style including his famous or infamous temperament is well documented along with the perspectives of many people who have worked with him. Jobs amazing ability to get the best from everyone though his reality distortion field is repeated.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, provides important lessons in excellence and high-performing work culture where people are encouraged to questions. The book is useful for technology entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone who considers there life has is changed with Apple products.
Hard Drive: Bill Gates and the Making of the Microsoft Empire
The book is not an official biography but it gives the excellent insights into the early years of Microsoft and its founder Bill Gates working style.
How Bill Gates along with his co-founder Paul Allen went through many years of grind to make operating systems and applications that really led to the personal computing revolution taking off. As the book was first written in 1992, it offers insights into the early years of the Microsoft empire and misses out on the changes later in the industry with the internet revolution and second inning of Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple.
You have definitely used Microsoft products at some point of time in your life. You should read the Hard Drive: Bill Gates and the Making of the Microsoft Empire to learn about the first 15 years of the company.
Indian IT Outsourcing
The TCS Story and beyond
The TCS story and beyond is not only about the success of the Indian IT industry but is representative of modern India’s global ambitions and achievement. The book provides insight into the Indian IT industry and the successful offshoring model that contributed to establishing India as a global technology giant.
In the book the author Mr. S Ramadorai, who headed the company recount the beginning of the company under Chairman Mr. F.C Kohli, the father of the Indian IT Industry. The challenges that TCS encountered in the overseas market, approach to business, and clients are well documented that will interest anyone.
Ramadorai’s legacy has created a good foundation for the company helping TCS become the most valuable Indian company. If you are interested in the Indian IT industry journey and get some useful management insights then you should read the book.
Zero to 150: How Indian IT Companies used Marketing to Power $150 Billion Industry
Zero to 150 highlights the contribution of the Marketing function in the evolution of brand India as a global IT outsourcing destination. Though mostly confined to back end role the marketing contributed by creating system and process as the Indian IT companies evolved from low-cost service providers to sophisticated technology solution providers.
As the Indian IT industry transition to the digital enterprise era marketing will continue to play a critical role in not only to facilitate revenue generation but also to active contribution.
Zero to 150: How Indian IT Companies used Marketing to Power $150 Billion Industry will help entry-level IT marketing and sales professionals, mid-level technical professionals, and management students with marketing specialization.
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