Technological innovation doesn’t happen only in the startups of Silicon Valley or in the minds of brilliant scientists; over the course of American history we have seen some of the biggest leaps in technology happen right in the Oval Office. To commemorate Presidents Day, we are going to take a look at some of the emerging technology used in the White House over the last 150 years. 

1. Barack Obama, 44^th President: 

The campaign and subsequent election of President Obama made an impact all over the world. As the first African-American President of the United States, Obama was no stranger to innovation during his two terms in the White House. Embracing technology, he was able to see the threats that could attack us via the internet. Shortly after taking office he appointed Howard A. Schmidt to the role of Cyber Security Czar. Schmidt went on to play an integral role in safeguarding the nations cyber security. 

2. Bill Clinton, 42^nd President:

When President Clinton took office in 1993, the internet was not as developed as it is today. With only about 50 websites in cyberspace, Clinton had not taken much interest in the emerging technology. However, that would all change on November 6^th, 1998 when Clinton heard that astronaut John Glen wanted to send him an email from space. The President was out of the WH at the time and did not have access to a computer; but White House Physician Comm. Robert G. Darling was on hand with a Toshiba Satellite Pro laptop that would change WH communications forever. 

3. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32^nd President:

FDR was the only President in US History to serve more than 2 terms. He served 4 to be exact. During his time in office he was known to embrace new technology as a way of connecting to the American people. In 1933, he started a series of radio broadcast known as the Fireside Chats, where he would explain policy and comfort Americans coming out of the Great Depression. He then went on to become the 1^st President to appear on television. 

4. Benjamin Harrison, 23^rd President:

During his time as President, Benjamin Harrison saw two important technological advances happen around him. First, He became the first President to have electricity installed in the White House. Electricity was only a decade old and he had a tremendous fear of being electrocuted, so he never turned on the light switches.  He was also the first President to have his voice recorded. In 1889 he recorded a 36 second speech on a wax phonograph cylinder. 

5. Abraham Lincoln, 16^th President : 

From the time he was a small child, President Lincoln had a keen interest in technology. He spent much of his free time developing machinery that could help with the war effort. The telegraph machine, which had been invented years prior was not a device regularly used. During his Presidency he spent much of his time in the War Department telegraph office reviewing military telegrams to help formulate strategies with Generals on how to win the Civil War. Also, let’s not gloss over the fact the he was and is the only President to receive a patent for one of his inventions. 

While the use of technology is the Oval Office has shifted and transformed over the years, the need for capable experts in the field has not changed. As a global SAP recruitment partner, we have plenty of permanent and contract emerging tech roles to offer. If you want to be a leader in your field, let us know, we may have a new role just waiting for you. 

Run your own tailored job search on our website or get in contact with one of our recruiters today!