David L. Stearns

Stearns probes the technological and organizational foundations of electronic payment systems, with a particular focus on the VISA system's history. His work delves into how electronic commerce and payment systems evolved, providing a detailed historical narrative that is both analytical and insightful. By highlighting the strategic, business, and technological aspects of VISA's development from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s, Stearns's analysis offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of technology and business history.\n\nIn his book "Electronic Value Exchange: Origins of the VISA Electronic Payment System", Stearns presents a thorough examination of VISA’s origins, tracing the system's evolution and its impact on the financial technology infrastructure. His writing style is characterized by its academic rigor and analytical depth, aimed at readers interested in understanding the intricate details of electronic payment systems. This work underscores his expertise in the technological and organizational innovations that have shaped modern financial transactions, making it an essential read for those studying business history and technology studies.\n\nWhile detailed biographical information about David L. Stearns is limited, his contribution to the literature on electronic payment systems is well-recognized, though there are no publicly recorded major awards or honors. His focus on the technological and business narratives behind electronic commerce positions his work as a significant resource for scholars and professionals in the field. This author’s book provides a well-rounded understanding of how payment systems like VISA have revolutionized the way value is exchanged electronically, making it a critical resource for those interested in the evolution of financial technology.