The IBM 704 was a pioneering computer introduced by IBM in 1954. It was one of the first commercially successful scientific computers, featuring floating-point arithmetic and a magnetic core memory. The 704 was widely used in research and engineering applications, significantly advancing computational capabilities during its time. The architecture of the IBM 704 influenced later systems, including the development of the FORTRAN programming language, which was designed for scientific computing. Its ability to handle complex calculations made it a valuable tool for universities and research institutions, laying the groundwork for future advancements in computer technology.