Definition: Scientific Data Systems

An early computer company founded in 1961 by Max Palevsky, Robert Black and others. Using silicon-based transistors for the first time rather than germanium, Scientific Data Systems (SDS) computers were geared "obviously" to scientific applications. Primarily programmed in FORTRAN, the company's SDS and Sigma series were sold worldwide. In 1969, Xerox acquired the company. Approximately two thousand SDS machines were in use when Xerox sold the division to Honeywell in 1975, which supported the products for a few more years.