IBM Stretch (aka IBM 7030 Data Processing System) Stretch
operator's console in foreground; one of the CE consoles
partially visible on left, and another in background. What Was
Stretch? In April of 1955, IBM submitted a bid to the University
of California Radiation Laboratory (UCRL) to develop the
Livermore Automatic Research Computer (LARC). IBM was not able
to commit to as rapid a delivery as UCRL desired, so instead
proposed a more powerful machine. In May, UCRL rejected IBM's
bid, instead awarding the contract to Remington Rand. Starting
in May of 1955, IBM proposed development of high-speed memory
("Silo") and a high-performance computer ("Plantation") for the
NSA. But the NSA was not likely to purchase a computer until
1957, so IBM decided to try selling a supercomputer to other
customers. In August the supercomputer project became known as
"Stretch." IBM feared that Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
(LASL) might order a LARC, but in September of 1955 made a
preliminary proposal to LASL which was receiv