Wang 3300

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Wang 3300
ManufacturerWang Laboratories
Typeminicomputer
Operating systemWang T-BASIC
Memoryup to 64 KB RAM
PredecessorWang 4000
SuccessorWang 2200

The Wang 3300 was an minicomputer released by Wang Laboratories in 1971.

Description[edit]

Model with machine time sharing created between Wang 4000 and Wang 2200.[1] Wang's first computer, the Wang 3300, was an 8-bit integrated circuit general-purpose minicomputer designed to be the central processor for a multi-terminal time-sharing system. Byte-oriented, it also provided a number of double-byte operand memory commands. Core memory ranged from 4,096 to 65,536 bytes in 4,096-byte increments.[2] Up to 16 teletype terminals could be connect to one 3300. Wang claimed at the time that it was "the most easily operated minicomputer time-sharing system available" but it has become to be seen as a "false start" since programs, stored on paper tape, took up to 40 minutes to load and it only used the physical teletype terminals instead of CRTs.[3]

Development began after hiring Rick Bensene in June 1968.[4] The software was developed by PHI Computer Services, which Wang had purchased in 1968, on an IBM 360/65 emulating the 3300.[5] The product was announced in February 1969[6] and shipped to its first customer on March 29, 1971.[7]

References[edit]

  1. ^ http://wang3300.org/docs/Wang3300_BasicTimesharingSystem.700-0275.2-70.pdf
  2. ^ 3300 Computer Reference Manual
  3. ^ International biographical dictionary of computer pioneers. Chicago : Fitzroy Dearborn. 1995. ISBN 978-1-884964-47-3. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  4. ^ "Wang 3300 Home". April 9, 2011. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  5. ^ Computerworld the Newsweekly for the Computer Community 1970-03-04: Vol 4 Iss 9. Computerworld, Inc. 1970-03-04. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  6. ^ Wang Labs enters mini-computer market
  7. ^ WANG DELIVERS FIRST MINI-COMPUTER

External links[edit]