MCM/POWER
Subseries
· 1980-1981
· ca-yucom-mcm-01-mcmp
Description
Repository
York University Computer Museum
Date
1980-1981
Reference code
ca-yucom-mcm-01-mcmp
Access conditions
Reproduction conditions
Notes
Notes
In early 1980, MCM made a decision to evolved its best selling MCM/900 system into a multi-user, distributed data processing network that shared peripherals and a common file system. The new system—the MCM Power—was to "bridge the gap between the small business systems and the large, complex computers which are beyond the reach of most businesses." As its MCM predecessors—the MCM/70, /800, and /900—the Power offered an APL environment and virtual memory that significantly extended the amount of memory available to users. To achieve a multi-user, distributed data processing network, MCM supported its new computer with a software package consisting of Powerlink, Powernet, and Powercomm programs. Powerlink provided a universal interface between a Power system and a wide selection of peripherals. Up to 200 uniquely addressable devices could be interfaced including printer/plotters, analog/digital converters, etc. The MCM Powernet software allowed to share data storage and output media by several Power computers. Finally, the MCM Powercomm facilitated serial data transmission as well as interactive communications with large-scale computer systems.
The computer was announced in mid-1980. Its single-user stripped-down version—the MicroPower—was offered the same year.
Control
Date of description
This description was last updated on 2026-05-09.