TechArchives is a project that collects stories from Ireland – stories about the country’s long and convoluted relationship with information technology.
We record the recollections of pioneers in computing, software development and network services, publish them on this web site and preserve them, plus related digital files, in a secure repository that future generations will be able to consult.
Dive into the interactive timelines on this site to retrace the emergence and evolution of key technologies and industry sectors. Then read personal testimonies by authors whose experiences seldom feature in other public records. And visit the anniversaries section for retrospective accounts of landmark events.
Newsmail, operating as a social enterprise, manages the TechArchives project with support from Ireland’s information technology community.
No one ever called me ‘comrade’
Frank Cole moved in very different circles from any of the other Irish guys who sold computers 40 years ago. From 1973 to 1977 he was responsible for Hewlett-Packard installations in the USSR and he was officially accredited as a foreign resident in Moscow. A new e-book reveals his experiences and adventures inside and beyond the computer trade.
As this site grows, it will cover a broader range of subjects, feature a more diverse set of stories and display more types of content. TechArchives depends on individuals who are willing to record their experiences or to donate documents, images and digital files. All contributions are very welcome.
Write a testimony
If your experience falls into the subject area and timeframe of one of our archives, we would like to talk to you. In particular, we want to add testimonies from people who were involved in organisations and projects that are not covered by the existing contributors. We will provide guidelines and practical assistance with planning, fact checking, writing and content management.
Provide source material
We collect, index and preserve documents, photographs, illustrations and other digital records associated with information technologies in Ireland. What can you add ?
Commission special projects
The timeline tools and information management methods used on this site can support private projects as well. Discover Memory-as-a-service.
Make a donation
Last, but definitely not least, we need donors and fundraisers to provide financial support for TechArchives. The easiest way to assist is to click on the PayPal link below. Contact us directly if you would prefer to donate through a different channel.
Latest Testimonies
Desi McGlade
BIC Systems co-founder
Ed Vernon
BIC Systems co-founder
Paul Hourican
PFH Technology Group chairman
Tom Callanan
Declan Computers sales executive 1982-85 / Glanmire Electronics sales manager 1988-90