O.T. Who/what organization invented/coined the word "Software"

May 18, 2017 7 Replies
Jump to replies (7)

Who/what organization invented/coined the word "Software"? I can't remember the first time I heard the word used at Bell Labs where I worked from 1957 -2001.


It was a popular way of separating the CEs (hardware) and Program Service Reps (software) in the FE Division of IBM when they decided it would be 2 distinctive career paths (late 60s). I am not sure they invented the word tho.

John Tukey

formatting link

Interesting, Tukey worked at Bell Labs. I worked at Bell Labs -> Bellcore -> Telcordia. I saw some of Tukey's work (software) he did for the research division during the Telcordia era.

Although the answer has been provided, I can't help but wondering:

Why didn't you google "software etymology" ?

Cindy Hamilton

Fair enough. "Who coined the term software" also works.

Cindy Hamilton

couoldn't or wouoldn't?

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required