At Planet Mainframe, April is dedicated to honoring influential mainframers past and present. This week’s quiz dives into the life and times of Bob Evans (1927–2004), who played a central role in shaping modern enterprise computing during his career at IBM.
Specifically, Evans was deeply involved in the development of the legendary IBM/360. It was Evans who persuaded Thomas J. Watson to “bet the farm” on the 360, helping guide the project through enormous technical and organizational challenges. His leadership ensured that the System/360 not only succeeded commercially but also set a new standard for platform compatibility and long-term system planning—principles that continue to shape enterprise computing today.
In Evans’ New York Times obituary, Erich Bloch emphasized Evans’ centrality to mainframe history. “You cannot overstate his contribution,” said Bloch. “Probably without the 360 and his contribution, the industry might have developed at a much slower rate, and maybe in a different direction. And probably not in a good one.”
QUESTION 10. “Having a photographic memory” – is a wrong alternative, consequently the last one-“All of the above” is also wrong.: While Evans was described as having a “brilliant mind” and being highly analytical, his secretary specifically highlighted his habit of flying his own aircraft rather than attributing a photographic memory to him in her documented recollections.