Test Your Nerd Knowledge for Oct. 4, 2022

1. This producer of fiber optic connectors was founded in 1932 as American Phenolic Corp. In 1957, the company name was changed. What is the current name? 
2. Which Amsterdam-based company purchased Wang computers in 1999? 
3. What does LTFS stand for? 

And here are the answers:

1. Answer: Amphenol. As stated on its website, Amphenol’s products, “Enable the electronics revolution across virtually every end market including data communications, commercial aerospace and mobile networks.” Founder Arthur J. Schmitt started producing tube sockets for radio tubes in Chicago in the 1930s, and expanded his business as the need for network connectivity grew, both in the military and consumer markets. Now based in Wallingford, Conn., Amphenol has built on Schmitt’s successes through several innovations, including the MIL-DTL-38999, a military-grade fiber optic connector, and the Bayonet Neill-Concelman, known in common parlance as the BNC connector. And who can forget the 36-pin micro ribbon connector, used the world over to connect computer devices? That was an Amphenol innovation as well.
2. Answer: Getronics. Wang Computers, founded by An Wang in 1951, had a rollercoaster ride in the tech world up to the time is was acquired by Getronics in 1999. Getronics has been in the game since 1887, so the transfer of Wang’s tech to Getronics portfolio of businesses was seamless. The Wang deal, which cost Getronics $3.7 billion, also increased Getronics’ profile in the US, since Wang had been an American company with millions of customers. Getronics continues dominating today, with a workforce of over 4,000 people and international reach through its Global Workspace Alliance consortium. Recent successes include a complete reworking of all IT infrastructure at London’s Gatwick Airport.
3. Answer: Linear Tape File System. The Linear Tape File System provides an industry standard format for recording data on modern magnetic tape. Magnetic tape data storage has been used for over 50 years, but typically did not hold file metadata processed through other forms of media. Today’s LTFS systems, however, are “a game changer” for IT professionals that need faster and more secure storage than what the cloud can offer. Companies like Iron Mountain are providing LTFS solutions to businesses that value security, scalability, energy-efficiency and new levels of speed and capacity.