Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Kutt received this 4004 μ-Computer board from Intel in December
1971. (Source: York University Computer Museum, image by Z.
Stachniak.)
The 4004 processor wasn't even remotely a candidate for the
CPU
of the
MCM
/70 computer. While waiting for Intel to offer
its more advanced 8008 chip, however,
KSI
's engineers could
nevertheless use the 4004 μ-Computer to experience firsthand
the new microprocessor and
EPROM
technologies. The first
hardware engineer hired by
KSI
was José Laraya: “The first
computer that [Kutt] brought to my attention was the 4004:
'This is a computer.' And I said, 'Ya, you got to be kidding, this
small chip?' But he had already been talking to Intel people. He
had a good vision. And I said, 'I would be interested in working
on that.'”
In April of 1972, when the first 8008 microprocessors were to
come off Intel's production line, Kutt paid Intel a visit. He was
accompanied by a new
KSI
employee, Reg Rea. “Mers knew
Bob Noyce and all those guys,” recollected Rea. “So he was
