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Word Processing Project (UM & IBM), 1978-1983

The Word Processing Project series (.25 linear ft., 1978-1983) documents a project headed by Bernard Galler to investigate the possibilities for text processing on computers. Portions of the project were conducted jointly with IBM. The files, which consist primarily of correspondence and reports, illustrate some of the early thinking on the development of word processing capabilities on mainframe systems and personal computers.

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Vendors

The Vendors series (1.75 linear ft., 1958-1984) provides information on the purchase, installation and operation of computing equipment and the Computing Center's relations with computer companies. There are substantial records for each of the major vendors: Apple, Amdahl, Apollo, Burroughs, and IBM.

The IBM and Amdahl subseries are the most significant. They include separate files for each of the major machines or systems installed by the Computing Center. The files for a machine may include information on its purchase, various reports and statistics on usage, and material relating to its discontinuance and resale. The IBM material also includes files on the Time Sharing System (TSS) development. IBM began developing TSS for use on its 360/67 machine. The Computing Center was a partner in some phases of TSS development. When IBM's development efforts proved slower than expected, Computing Center staff continued development work on a time shared operating system that became MTS. Significant files include the Code Transfer Agreement between UM and IBM and several reports comparing TSS, MTS and other time sharing systems.

The Amdahl records document the Computing Center's conversion to Amdahl mainframes in the mid 1970s. Files include a transcript of the Regents' meeting at which the Computing Center argued for the purchase of the Amdahl 470/V6 machine over a Burroughs computer. The Burroughs files also include information on this purchase.