Abstract
This review article attempts to give a perspective on the evolution of magnetic recording storage devices, highlight the frontiers of current activity, and address the future of this storage technology. Tape, disk (both rigid and flexible), and mass storage systems are covered. It is of interest to note that digital magnetic recording spans not only the twenty-five year history of the IEEE Computer Society which this issue is recognizing but has during this whole period undergone continual technical advances and widespread growth in usage. It is fair to say that magnetic recording is among the most important technologies in the history of the computer age to date. Copyright © 1976 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.