Montgomery Phister, Jr.

Montgomery Phister, Jr. was a respected author, lecturer, and computer-industry executive whose books and consulting work helped clarify the architecture and economics of digital systems. His early work at Scientific Data Systems (SDS) and later Xerox Data Systems placed him at the center of developments in minicomputers and scientific computing during the 1960s and 1970s.

Phister authored several influential texts on computer organization, performance, and cost modeling, including widely used materials that helped managers and engineers understand tradeoffs in system architecture, hardware design, and procurement. His books provided clear frameworks for evaluating computer systems at a time when the industry was rapidly evolving and standard methods were scarce.

As a consultant, Phister advised corporations and government agencies on systems planning, selection, and integration, often bringing structure and quantitative rigor to complex technology decisions. He also lectured extensively, contributing to professional development programs in computing.

Phister’s writing and advisory work helped demystify computing for business and government leaders and remains respected for its clarity, analytical strength, and historical value.