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: Comments on the article “Developing an Actuarial Programming Language” by Russell J. Mueller in the April newsletter in which it was suggested that “a study should be undertaken to determine the feasibility of developing” such a language. In this connection, the author feels it to be appropriate to draw attention to some practical considerations which should form part of such a study.