Low-End General-Purpose Systems

Abstract

Low-End General-Purpose SystemsSince the announcement of the ZBM System13 in 1%9, ZBM has been incorporating leading-edge technology in products referred to as small general-purpose systems. With the many models of the Systeml3, Systeml32, Systeml34, and System1 38, ZBM has introduced many technological advances addressing the needs of diverse customers, from the novice, firsttime user to the experienced user in the distributed data processing account. By identifying the goals, objectives, design themes, major salient features, and development constraints, this paper reviews and highlights the technical evolution of these products in terms of their systems layout, processor architecture, machine structure, andprogramming support. Copyright 1981 by International Business Machines Corporation. Copying is permitted without payment of royalty provided that (1) each reproduction is done without alteration and (2) theJournal reference and IBM copyright notice are included on the first page. The title and abstract may be used without further permission in computer-based and other information-service systems. Permission to republish other excerpts should be obtained from the Editor. 429 R. L. TAYLOR IBM J. RES. DEVELOP. VOL. 25 NO. 5 SEPTEMBER 1981 Si32 MLTA.3410Tp. 1403 R. H.P. 5444 F. Sysremi3-Sysremi38 Direct 3270s BSCA 5445 F.. 3270 L. 5203Pr.-MI5 -12(M8) 3MX)Tm. 300LPMPr. 1442Card Diskette 3284R.-MI5 3741Tm. -3O(MI5) 5448F.-M8,10 3287Tm. I2OTm.-MIJ 3rd,4th BSCA-MI5