Software Archaeology

[Christian Corti]

On Mon, 16 Oct 2006, Al Kossow wrote:
> Somewhat related, a CHM press release just went out with this info in it:
>
> In support of its international collection and exhibit plans, the Museum
> also announced that it has acquired an extensive collection totaling seven
> shipping containers of computing objects salvaged from a crumbling warehouse
> in Dortmund, Germany this month.  The rescued items, along with related
> documents and software, will augment the Museumÿÿs existing 80,000-object
> collection that will be used to populate the 2009 exhibit.
>
> The historic collection from Germany was rescued from an open-air warehouse
> that encompassed a physical area of about 12,000 square feet. There are 112
> unique manufacturers represented, including Telefunken, Siemens, Zuse,
> Olivetti and Groupe Bull.  European-based manufacturers account for 50% of
> the acquired artifacts and another 20% in documentation and software.  In
> addition to many rare computer systems, the rescued items will deepen the
> Museumÿÿs holdings of electromechanical-era objects, as well as mainframe
> documentation and software.

Don't get me wrong, but to be honest: It's a shame that all this went to 
the US without asking any other real computer museum in Germany first (at 
least noone did ask the ones I know, and the HNF is not a real 
computer museum...). This is a great loss because for most of us 
it will be impossible to see that material again, and I don't think the 
machines will be running again (220V/380V 50Hz etc.)
And I wonder about what money went where etc...
Will I be able to get copies of all the software and/or documentation? It 
would be great to give German collectors at least that opportunity.

Christian