Wang VS

The Wang VS (Virtual System) is a series of minicomputers developed and manufactured by Wang Laboratories in the 1970s and 1980s.

1. Development and Introduction: The Wang VS series was introduced in 1977 as an upgrade to the earlier Wang 2200 series of minicomputers. It was designed to provide improved performance, reliability, and compatibility with Wang's office automation and word processing systems.

2. Hardware: The Wang VS series featured a range of models with different configurations and capabilities. They were based on a 16-bit microprocessor architecture and used magnetic core memory for primary storage. The systems supported a variety of peripherals, including terminals, printers, and disk drives, and could be customized to meet the needs of different business applications.

3. Software and Applications: The Wang VS series ran the Wang Operating System (WOS), which provided a multitasking environment for running multiple applications simultaneously. It also supported a range of software applications developed by Wang Laboratories, including word processing, data management, and financial analysis software. The Wang VS systems were widely used in office environments for document processing, data management, and other business applications.

4. Reception and Sales: The Wang VS series was well-received in the business market, particularly among companies that relied on Wang's office automation and word processing systems. It offered improved performance and reliability compared to earlier Wang minicomputers and provided a flexible platform for running a variety of business applications. The Wang VS series was widely adopted in industries such as finance, insurance, and manufacturing.

5. Legacy: The Wang VS series played a significant role in the history of computing, particularly in the office automation and word processing industries. It helped to popularize minicomputers as a viable option for business computing and laid the groundwork for Wang's later expansion into electronic typewriters, word processors, and other office equipment.

6. Discontinuation: Wang Laboratories faced financial difficulties in the late 1980s and early 1990s, leading to a decline in sales of the Wang VS series and other products. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1992 and was eventually acquired by other companies. The Wang VS series was discontinued, but many systems remained in use in businesses and organizations for several years afterward.

In summary, the Wang VS series of minicomputers was an important part of Wang Laboratories' product lineup and played a significant role in business computing in the 1970s and 1980s. It offered improved performance, reliability, and compatibility with Wang's office automation systems, making it a popular choice for businesses and organizations worldwide.