Willis H. Ware

Willis H. Ware (Ph.D., Princeton University, 1951) was a senior computer scientist emeritus with the RAND Corporation (1952–present) in Santa Monica, California, with which he held various staff and management positions. An electrical engineer, Ware devoted his career to all aspects of computer technology—hardware, software, architectures, software development, networks, federal agency and military applications, management of computer-intensive projects, public policy and legislation.

In the late 1960s he developed a research interest in the security of computer systems, and shortly thereafter a corresponding interest in the personal privacy consequences of automated record-keeping systems. For 35 years Ware wrote extensively on both topics, testified before Congress, and served as a prominent spokesman on the impact of computer technology on society. He was also active professionally as a speaker, conferee, and researcher.