John Vardalas provides us with a fascinating account of Canada's place in the history of computing. In his clear and thorough narrative, he tells how Canada, a country with first-rate scientific and technical talent, nevertheless struggled to define an indigenous industry that could stand outside the shadow of the United States. This is an important contribution to our understanding of the international dimensions of high technology in the post World War II era.
Paul E. Ceruzzi,, Smithsonian Institution
This is a thoroughly researched and carefully documented history of the roles played by universities, the military, and private industry in developing computers in Canada from the late forties through the nineties. It places the activities in a broad historical and economic perspective that challenges widely held beliefs about policies that have resulted in the lack of a computer hardware industry, and shows that Canadian research and initiatives have produced very important benefits.
Calvin C. Gotlieb, Professor Emeritus, Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Canada
The construction of a new analysis of the later twentieth century is underway and John Vardalas is taking his place as one of the main builders. Each chapter of The Computer Revolution in Canada enhances our understanding of the making of contemporary society—the role of the state, the needs of the military, the importance of universities, and the meaning of globalization for post-industrial countries. John Vardalas's focus on the rise of Canadian expertise reveals how technologically advanced societies are both making and being made by the new economy of the digital world. And by examining the Canadian example in detail, Vardalas shows how nation building can continue in a new age of corporate computer giants. From students and policy-makers to CEOs and dot-com capitalists, we all need to read this book now.
Chad Gaffield, Professor of History and Director, Institute of Canadian Studies, University of Ottawa, and President of the Canadian Historical Association, 2000-2001
Besides challenging the conventional view that foreign branch plants are passive, technologically backward, and parasitical elements of the Canadian economy, Vardalas describes the little-known but vital role of the Canadian military at the origins of the computer revolution in Canada. His story also reminds us that technology is not just products but a pool of expertise that is essential for any nation to absorb and profit from innovations in a global economy.
Janis Langins, Director, Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, University of Toronto
You don't have to be a Canadian, industry insider, or computer historian to get excited by this book. Vardalas combines solid technical understanding with analysis of issues such as how to foster technological innovation and the role of the military in boosting civilian business to higher levels of achievement. The Computer Revolution in Canada also adds new understanding to the question of why various countries do technology differently.
Norman R. Ball, Director, Centre for Society, Technology and Values, Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
An important book. This is a model study of how to look at the origins of computing in any nation.
IBM Corporation