Since delivery of thefirst vacuum-column magnetic-tape transport in 1953 and thefirst movable-head disk drive in 1957, tape and disk devices in many configurations have been the principal means for storage of the large volumes of data required by data processing systems. Magnetic drums and other device geometries have also been important system components, but to a lesser extent. Over the past twenty-five years signijicant developments have been made that increase the capacity, reduce the cost,

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... and improve the performance and reliability of these devices. With each improved device the range and nature of the applications undertaken have expanded and, in turn, led to a need for further device improvement. This paper gives a general review and historical perspective of magnetic storage development within IBM and is an introduction to the subsequent papers on disk, diskette, and tape technology and on disk manufacturing. After a brief review of the basic capacity, cost and performance aspects of magnetic storage devices, this paper gives a historical perspective of device developments within IBM during each of these periods. each reproduction is done without alteration and (2) the Journal reference and IBM copyright notice are included on the first page. The title and abstract may be used without further permission in computer-based and other information-service systems. Permission to republish other excerpts should be obtained from the Editor.