Talk:List of IBM products

Miscellaneous errors, inconsistencies and omissions.

Several keyboard/display units in the 3270 family could run in several keyboard configurations. In some cases the description mentions 2 screen configurations, in some cases one and in some cases none. Some examples:

• 3180 and 3192 could run as any of
  1. 24x80
  2. 24x80 primary, 32x80 secondary
  3. 24x80 primary, 43x80 secondary
  4. 24x80 primary, 27x132 secondary
  5. Custom
• 3290 could run from 1 to 4 screens, each of which could be split by software into multiple explicit partitons. Without using explicit partions it could run as
  1. 24x80
  2. 24x80 primary, 31x160 secondary
  3. 24x80 primary, 62x80 secondary
  4. 24x80 primary, 62x160 secondary

The operating system sections has several invented names, e.g., OS/MFT, OS/MVS, multiple listings for the same systems and lack of structure. to clarify

• CP/67 had nothing to do with TSS/360
• OS/2 ran on more than the PS/2
• OS/360 had three options: PCP, MFT and MVT. In release 15/15 the list changed to PCP, MFT II and MFT. Eventually the PCP option was dropped. None of these options was a separate system.
• OS/VS2 release 1 was SVS and OS/VS2 release 2 through 3.8 was MVS. There was no OS/MVS.
• MVS/370 is a collective term referring to OS/VS2 (MVS), MVS/SE and MVS/SP Version 1.

Some computer systems have lists of components that are missing critical pieces, e.g., 7909 for 7094, even though those pieces are listed elsewhere. Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz Username:Chatul (talk) 14:32, 1 November 2010 (UTC)

Structure of Computers based on discrete transistors (1960s)

Some computers are listed directly under Computers based on discrete transistors (1960s) and others are listed under subheadings. In particular, the 1130 and 7080 are listed under the main heading. I believe that they should be listed under subheadings and that the 1130 and 1800 should be listed together. Similarly, I believe that Stretch (7030) and Harvest should be listed under a common subheading. Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz Username:Chatul (talk) 21:51, 6 December 2010 (UTC)

What is a coprocessor?

I question whether a peripheral device such as an IBM 3838 array processor qualifies as a Coprocessor; it has no data path either to the CPU or to the processor's memory, only to the I/O channel.

Similarly, the IBM 3092 Processor controller does not seem to qualify; its purpose is to regulate the CPU rather than to augment its instruction set.

 Notes

Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz Username:Chatul (talk) 23:29, 1 January 2011 (UTC)

Deep Blue, but no Watson

How can we mention Deep Blue, but not Watson, neither of them are sold equipment, but both are made of IBM equipment. I think a reference to Watson, and the accomplishments of the engineers that designed "him" should be added. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 32.97.110.54 (talk) 21:37, 10 June 2011 (UTC)

Classification of display systems

Some display systems, e.g., 5080 Graphics System, are listed under printers/plotters. Either they should be moved or the heading changed. I'm not sure which is prefferable. If they are moved, I suggest that the graphics and non-graphics display systems be listed under a common heading. Thoughts? Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz Username:Chatul (talk) 22:21, 23 February 2011 (UTC)

..I would suggest the printers have their own section as I don't understand why printers and displays should be grouped together. Luckydog429 (talk) 04:56, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

The section is certainly big enough to split. Peter Flass (talk) 12:47, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

Grouping of releases and versions under a common heading

When an application or operating system is offered in multiple versions and releases, with periodic changes in the name, is it best to list them independently or to list them as items under a common family heading, e.g., should VM/SE, VM/SP, VM/SP HPO, VM/XA MA, VM/XA SF, VM/XA SP, VM/ESA and z/VM be treated as separate products, or should they and thae original Virtual Machine Facility/370 be listd under VM? My gut feel is that grouping them makes their relationship clearer.Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz Username:Chatul (talk) 23:30, 3 October 2011 (UTC)

Software

Obviously the software category is minimal right now. Maybe it needs so more subtopics? Is there any unwritten rule regarding what should be included and what omitted? Peter Flass (talk) 12:49, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

DITTO and DEBE

Were these IBM products? Maybe type 3? Does anyone remember? Peter Flass (talk) 00:24, 21 January 2012 (UTC)

DEBE and DITTO were around in the 1960's; I don't recall whether they were developed by IBM or by customers. The original DEBE was stand-alone, but the misnamed MVTDEBE ran under OS/360. The current version of DITTO is chargable.

Have you checked the SPLA catalog of programs from bitsavers? Shmuel (Seymour J.) Metz Username:Chatul (talk) 18:37, 26 January 2012 (UTC)