Ernesto Hofmann

Interview

• "The PC and the evolution of its services" (Milan, 21-10-1996)
• "The evolution of Information Technology" (Milan, SMAU 25-10-98)

Biography

Having graduated in physics from the University of Rome, Ernesto Hofmann joined the Scientific Computing service of Ibm in 1968.

In 1973 he became manager of the Technical Support Service of the Computing Centre of Ibm in Rome. From 1978 he was senior systems engineer responsible for the data processing centres of several large credit and insurance institutes.

In 1981 he was transferred for three years to the French plant in Montpellier where Ibm constructed its largest computers. In 1986 he was transferred to Corbeil Essonnes where the logic chips used in Ibm computers were manufactured. In both postings he acted as technical interface between the factory's clients and designers.

Since 1986 he has been to the United States several times, for periods of several months, at the factories in Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, where Ibm's largest computers are designed. His activities in the USA have allowed him to increase his understanding of the ongoing evolution of computing. He has been Consultant Director of Complex Systems for Ibm Italy since 1984.

Hofmann is author of many publications on information technology, both of a technical and a popular nature, as well as various articles and interviews for the general press.