An impossible mission that ends in success and billions of rubles in translation
While working in the US, Bulgaria wants to specialize in the production of magnetic media, magnetic disk drives and tape drives. The state sets the goal and scientific and technical intelligence must facilitate its realization, as well as any technological problem. Boyadzhiev recalled a situation when DZU tried everything to cope with a given task, but it turned out to be impossible. Then the head of the scientific committee, prof. Ivan Popov, took matters into his own hands. “He was extremely influential,” Boyadzhiev said. “He got the better of the Politburo and invited one of IBM’s biggest bosses as a guest. American saw the plant in Stara Zagora, grabbed his head and said:
“You’ve Come a Long Way”
At that time, the innovative 370 system was being developed in the United States, which established IBM as the undisputed world leader. They start producing their records in a secret factory in Silicon Valley. “Even people in high positions in the company could not enter there. They were afraid that information about the technology would leak to American competitors – says Boyadzhiev. – There were draconian security measures. Everyone at the plant wore special passes. It was the first time that I have seen such electronic keys.
Only the boss card could open all doors. Cards for other employees were only for their offices. Internal security was at an extremely high level. Since the plant had many government contracts, it was under the control of the FBI. The police with scanners checked everyone, even rummaging through the director’s bag, in case anyone had taken anything away.”
Why this becomes a priority for Boyadzhiev, read – HERE!
