A history of innovation: the unsung heroes

Abacus, one of the oldest computing devices developed – perhaps as long as 4,500 years ago – was the calculator for merchants and accountants until the advent of mechanical calculators in the 19^th century. Although now a relic, the abacus still lives on in niche areas of teaching mathematics. It originally served as a basis for number systems and aided in rapid and complex mathematical calculations.

Every year, experts and industry analysts come up with new acronyms and concepts for the next big trend in computing. The hype drives both innovation and fear.

If examined closely, they are often based on concepts and technologies that don’t have a catchy name or don’t seem exciting enough, so no one notices them. Some of them move from mere hype to mainstream and others fade away. via