Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
the MCM /70 was to burst out as that archetypal computer of
the future.
The flexibility, price and performance of the MCM /70 will
set new system standards in a variety of commercial and
scientific applications: office computers, satellite comput-
ers, small business or branch office information systems,
data entry, scientific computers, intelligent terminals, and
clusters of classroom computers.
The low cost and small size of new computer hardware could
be accomplished by following in the footsteps of the calcula-
tor industry, which achieved high-degree miniaturization by
using novel semiconductor devices. Furthermore, MCM was
convinced that programming languages such as APL provided
a solution to making computers easy to operate without sacri-
ficing computational power and versatility. With the MCM /70
operating under APL , claimed MCM ,
complete novices will be able to begin effective comput-
ing within the first hour by following a simple “calculator
type” instruction booklet which makes mockery of trad-
itional complex programming. As a result of this simpli-
city, the MCM /70 will be directed at a massive market,
ranging from desk top applications in [the] business, en-
gineering, actuarial, chartered accountancy, and education
fields to small and medium sized business systems. 5
An MCM /70 owner was expected to be able to install his
or her computer without any need for assistance from MCM 's
customer service department. MCM would supply a turnkey
system, some application software, and a user manual that
explained, in simple language, the principles of APL program-
ming and everything else needed for the computer's operation.
 
 
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