STARS: IBM System/360 [Scanning Our Past]

Abstract

Reports on the development and production of the IBM System/360 system processor which was introduced in 1964. The April 1964 announcement of IBM System/360 was revolutionary in content and unprecedented in scope. It replaced all five of IBM??s (6-b byte) computer product lines with one strictly compatible family, using a new hybrid-integrated-circuit technology and a new 8-b byte architecture. Six processor models offering a 50-fold performance range were accompanied by 54 different peripheral devices, with a pioneering standard interface providing full interchangeability. The software package included communications network capabilities, 16 different language compilers, and a graduated-function, multiprogramming, disk-based operating system.