The company originally known as the National Cash Register Company, and widely recognized as NCR Corporation, was acquired by AT&T in 1991.
NCR's Evolution and the Path to Acquisition
NCR Corporation, despite its founding name, had long diversified beyond traditional cash registers, significantly venturing into the computer industry. This evolution saw the company navigate various market challenges and opportunities.
Financial Landscape and Innovation
Prior to its acquisition, NCR experienced periods of financial difficulties. Nevertheless, the company demonstrated innovation in its computer production efforts. A notable success was the 1982 Tower Unix-based machine, which proved to be popular, selling approximately 100,000 units. While this particular machine achieved considerable market traction, subsequent computer models did not always replicate the same level of commercial success. This period highlighted NCR's dynamic but sometimes inconsistent performance in the competitive tech landscape.
The Landmark Acquisition by AT&T
In 1991, the telecommunications giant AT&T completed its purchase of NCR. This strategic move brought a well-established computer hardware and software producer under the AT&T umbrella, reflecting a broader trend of convergence between telecommunications and computing technologies during that era.
Key details of the acquisition include:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acquired Entity | NCR (National Cash Register Company) |
| Acquiring Entity | AT&T |
| Year of Acquisition | 1991 |
| Contextual Note | NCR's background included a successful 1982 Tower Unix-based machine and ongoing computer production amidst financial challenges. |
This acquisition marked a significant chapter in NCR's corporate history, temporarily integrating it into a larger telecommunications conglomerate before it was later spun off as an independent entity again.
