The Barcode

"The Barcode is a celebration of the digital age and the entrepreneurial spirit ... and of the men and women who had the vision, the courage and the fortitude to take an 'impossible' idea and make it real. No one is better suited to tell this story than Paul McEnroe. In so many ways, the story of the barcode is his story." -Michael S. Malone, from the Foreword 

"This fascinating book tells the story behind one of the most impactful digital technologies that preceded the PC last century. The barcode and barcode readers changed the way information is expressed, and this book shows us how that was made possible. An essential read for anyone interested in technology and its history." -Mung Chiang, PhD, President of Purdue University

"The Barcode is a terrific retelling of the development of a technology that is hidden in plain sight, yet whose impact is immeasurable. This first-hand account of navigating unlikely events, overcoming obstacles, and pursuing dreams will resonate with inventive minds everywhere." -Henry Yang, PhD, Chancellor of the University of California at Santa Barbara

"Paul McEnroe and his team at IBM created a remarkable technology that revolutionized the retail economy. I truly enjoyed reading this first-hand account of the development of this extraordinarily disruptive technology, and I recommend it to all with enthusiasm." -Alan J. Heeger, PhD, Innovator, Entrepreneur, and Nobel Laureate

"The Barcode is about leadership and vision, overcoming the worst tragedies that life can throw at a person and getting up after you have been knocked down. It gives readers a front row seat to the inner workings of IBM in the 70s and 80s and shares lessons about uniting diverse development organizations behind a common vision. This book is a must read for anyone who aspires to be a technical leader." -Bob Miller, CEO of DisasterIQ; Former Lab Director at IBM, CPO of Data General, and CEO of MIPS

"Paul McEnroe weaves high human emotion and compelling endeavor through the story of his life and his key role in the creation of a technology that supports the daily function of modern society." -Jeff Armstrong, PhD, President of Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo