Description: This presentation is from the Digest of Informal Discussion, Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1955 Volume 7, Number 17. This discussion on technology reviews recent [as of 1955] uses of electronic data processing equipment and major computer installations. The speakers also look at the prospects of joint use of large-scale installations by two or more companies, and discuss specific actuarial activities that can be accommodated by electronic data processing machinery, such as calculation of dividends, cash values, and policy reserves.

Description: This digest of special presentation by the Committee on New Recording Means and Computing Devices reviews progress in technology and describes the approach to an electronic operating system for Ordinary insurance. This discussion highlights and describes Punch Card Computer operation and Magnetic Tape computers.

Description: Discusses cost-benefit decision-making for acquiring electronic data-processing equipment and installation issues, ability of small companies to compete in pension trust arena, effectiveness of various agency compensation programs in stimulating sales and improving persistency, success of sales to substandard risks and rating methods, and pricing, reinsurance and experience with individual hospital and medical policies.

Description: The panel discusses the cost feasibility of a large scale computer being shared by a group of smaller companies, applications found for medium sized computers and the extent companies are using deck size electronic computers. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1959, Vol. 11, No. 29 AB.

Description: This discussion reviews progress made in the application of electronic data processing machines to smaller company operations as well as cost-benefit considerations.