Mark IV report generator

The January 29, 2025 entry of English Wikipedia’s Did you know… home page feature caught my attention:

… that Mark IV was the first commercial software to cross $10 million in total sales, and the first to cross $100 million as well?

It turns out Mark IV has quite an interesting history. I didn’t know about this early powerful report generator, initially for the IBM 7090 and later the 360. Mark IV managed to thrive as a commercial product despite the challenge of IBM giving away software.

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It caught more attention than I expected, with over 18,000 views during its post time on DYK. I’m normally happy to get 5k.

Really good read, thanks!

The internet archive seems to have a bit on the Mark IV file system

Indeed:

This letter is in response to the interest you have expressed in the MARK IV File Management System. The enclosed brochure briefly describes the major attributes of this new and powerful tool for IBM 360 users.

MARK IV has been under development for over one year with initial deliveries currently scheduled for early 1968. MARK IV has been purchased by major corporations throughout the United States, with over 50 installations presently scheduled.

MARK IV is available for purchase or lease with option to buy. Prices start at $610. 00 a month.

The System is easy for management personnel to learn and use; more sophisticated users have great flexibility in using the full MARK IV capabilities.

A complete service support program assures the optimum performance of the System. Specially trained Informatics* system engineers support each MARK IV installation and are backed by a permanent headquarters maintenance staff.

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