In a nostalgic plunge into the tech history, the Reading Museum is proudly hosting an exhibit that commemorates over six decades since the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) launched its first office in the UK. Opened in 1964, this establishment rapidly expanded and became a cornerstone of the local workforce, with more than 2,000 employees calling Berkshire their home.

For tech enthusiasts like me who have an affinity for vintage hardware, attending the preview of this exhibit was an absolute must. The display has significantly evolved from the solitary DECMate III previously showcased, now taking up a substantial portion of the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery.

Visitors to the exhibit can marvel at a diverse array of DEC's pioneering technology, including PDP racks and panels, retro terminals, and classic VAX machines, many of which are adorned with 'Alpha ready' stickers, evoking fond memories of a bygone era. The exhibit also features a timeline and insightful quotes from individuals who were part of DEC's story, all complemented by screens detailing the company's remarkable journey.

DEC was once a dominator in the tech space during the 1960s and 70s, yet the company's prominence declined in the 1990s due to a series of questionable business decisions. Some attendees at the preview speculated that the steep costs associated with Alpha chips were instrumental in DEC's decline, although critics argue that significant issues had emerged well before that tipping point.

During my visit, it was unfortunate that the machines loaned from The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) at Bletchley Park were unable to operate due to power requirements and a shortage of staff. If you're keen on witnessing these machines in action, a visit to TNMOC is highly recommended. However, exciting potential discussions are reportedly underway to occasionally power up some of the exhibits at Reading Museum.

Reflecting on DEC's monumental impact can be surreal, considering the company's fall into obscurity. The PDP series of minicomputers, in particular, gained tremendous traction, and I have cherished memories of utilizing a university's VAX machine in the 1980s. One former Royal Air Force engineer, reminiscing about his time there, shared his experience of undergoing training on the PDP 11/45 at DEC's training center in the Butts Centre—a shopping mall transformed into a tech learning hub. His training emphasized computer architecture, basic programming, and fault diagnosis, showcasing DEC's commitment to educating its workforce.

Even during that era, the reliability of DEC systems like the PDP 11/45 and RK05 was notable when compared to other systems such as the ICL 4130, which struggled with older media like reel-to-reel magnetic and paper tape.

The Reading Museum exhibition is free to enter, thanks to funding from the UK National Lottery Heritage Fund. For anyone intrigued by how DEC shaped the tech landscape and its influence on the town of Reading, dedicating a few hours to explore this exhibition is a worthwhile endeavor. While the region has pivoted to newer tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and Cisco, the fascinating legacy of DEC continues to warrant appreciation and exploration. Don't miss this chance to journey back in time and witness the artifacts that sparked a technological revolution!