Alfredo Rego’s story is an inspiring example of self-reliance, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. He embodies the spirit of a true technologist, driven by a passion for understanding and manipulating the intricacies of technology. His journey from a childhood in Guatemala to becoming a self-taught programmer and advocate for the HP 3000 is a testament to his dedication and resourcefulness.
His work with Adager, a software system that enhances the capabilities of the IMAGE database system, demonstrates his deep understanding of data structures and his ability to innovate within existing systems. Rego’s tireless championing of the HP 3000 and IMAGE, even in the face of HP’s own marketing shortcomings, highlights his belief in the power of these technologies and his commitment to their continued success.
This interview is significant in tech history because it sheds light on a lesser-known but highly influential database system and its impact on the HP 3000 platform. It also provides valuable insights into the early days of the computer industry, particularly in Guatemala, and the challenges and opportunities faced by pioneering technologists like Rego. His story serves as a reminder that innovation can come from unexpected places and that passion and dedication can have a lasting impact on the world of technology.
On Learning:
- “I learned early in my life that if you don’t know something, all you have to say is, ‘Hey, I don’t know, please show me.’ And people will be delighted to show you.”
- “My joy, and that’s still my joy now, is to get a gadget, read the manuals — and sometimes the manuals are worthless — figure out whatever language they have, then program them in that language.”
On Chutzpah and Initiative:
- “I went to the Embassy and they said, ‘Apply for the scholarship and then in a year or so you may go.’ I said, ‘A year or so, I don’t have that much time.’ Then I went back and I said, ‘What do I do, what do I?’ You know, I was a kid of 19, had never been out of the country, didn’t have any passport, nothing. I said, ‘I’ll go see Professor Little.’”
- “I don’t know about export controls, export licenses, nothing. I show up at the Guatemala phone company with my tape. I install RTE. The machine was good again.”
On IMAGE and Adager:
- “IMAGE is like a Formula One Car. It runs circles around any of these other big boats.”
- “Adager’s purpose is to do some actions to some objects and the objects of Adager are IMAGE entities. Every element that IMAGE has is an object for Adager.”
On HP and Missed Opportunities:
- “My conviction is that if IMAGE and the HP 3000 had been properly marketed by someone like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, just anyone with the guts to stand behind it, it would have been extremely successful.”
- “It’s too bad that HP did not have the guts to be there. Then later HP said let’s cool things down because we don’t want to offend anyone. They didn’t want to offend these other people.”
|||