An educational charity, the Centre for Computing History owns one of Europe’s largest collections of functioning vintage computers, related artefacts and ephemera. Established in 2006, the museum relocated to Cambridge earlier this year, fulfilling the second stage of its growth strategy prior to the creation of a permanent, purpose built home in the city. Although the building is undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme, part of the exhibition space is already open to the public. The collection includes a permanent interactive display highlighting the many historic milestones Cambridge University and local companies – from Acorn Computers and Sinclair Research to ARM Holdings - have contributed to the history of computing.
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of RealVNC, Dr Andy Harter said: “We recognise the importance of cultural and heritage initiatives such as this and we are delighted to offer our support to help establish this unique experience in Cambridge, the city where so much of this story has unfolded.
“Through exploring the social and historical impact of computers, the Centre for Computing History aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators. This will ensure we celebrate the future and not just the past of Cambridge’s role in computing history.”
RealVNC is enjoying a highly successful year, winning a third Queen’s Award for Enterprise in as many years, the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award, and having been announced as a finalist in the Santander Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year category of the National Business Awards.
RealVNC's technology, which allows a computer screen to be remotely accessed and controlled from another device, is one of the most ubiquitous software solutions with over a billion copies worldwide. VNC is available on virtually every type of device that has a screen, making it the most widely ported software application. It is now an official part of the internet, alongside web and email protocols. RealVNC collaborates with leading players in the technology industry, including Intel to integrate VNC on chips for PCs and laptops; and Google, who license VNC technology and expertise to enable remote access functionality from its Chrome products. RealVNC is also at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry, where it is the standard for integrating smartphones with in-vehicle infotainment systems.
Jason Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Centre for Computing History said: “RealVNC is an exciting, forward-thinking company and we are enormously pleased that it has decided to sponsor the museum. Our heartfelt thanks go to Andy and his team.
“There is still much to do and more money to raise, but now more than ever organisations like RealVNC have a unique opportunity to make an enduring contribution to computing history, and play a key role in shaping the museum’s future in Cambridge.”
Image: Dr Andy Harter, CEO RealVNC (left) and Jason Fitzpatrick, CEO - Centre for Computing History
Centre for Computing History
Established in 2006 to create a permanent, public exhibition that tells the story of the Information Age, the Centre for Computing History primarily explores developments in computing over the last 50 years. The Centre has one of the finest collections of vintage computers and related artefacts in the UK. It frequently exhibits at venues around the country and regularly works with the Open University, BBC, Channel 4 and the Gadget Show Live.
Aimed at everyone from children to academics, an inventive multimedia approach allows visitors to interact with many key machines, providing a hugely entertaining experience. Displays are variously designed to enthuse and inspire young people or take the older generation on nostalgic retro-laden journeys through the use of working PCs and consoles such as the ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro and Atari, many of which have been reconditioned to run the games that defined their childhood.
With over 20,000 items and a website that currently attracts 20,000 visitors a month the Centre enjoys a robust reputation as an international educational resource.
The Centre for Computing History is a UK registered charity (Registration Number 1130071). Cambridge based entrepreneur and co-founder of Acorn Computers, Dr Hermann Hauser is the museum’s patron.
Centre for Computing History
Rene Court
Coldhams Road
Cambridge CB1 3EW
Tel: 0844 357 5100
About RealVNC
RealVNC's software is used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide in every sector of industry, government and education. VNC is the original remote access software with a wide range of applications. The technology supports an unrivalled mix of desktop and mobile platforms and can be embedded in third-party products with a commercial licence.
http://www.realvnc.com
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Press enquiries: Elaine Collins, Press Officer – Centre for Computing History
Elaine@computinghistory.org.uk Tel: 01787 463256 / 0844 357 5100 M: 07733179293
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