In January 1978, IBM, launched a general-purpose APL desktop computer–the IBM 5110–targeting the data-processing needs of small companies. IBM offered its new computer in a range of configurations with tape or diskette storage. An extensive business-oriented software library as well as two programming languages–APL and BASIC–were offered.
To deal with the IBM 5110 threat, MCM developed its new APL computer–The MCM/900–in record time. The computer, whose main architect was André Arpin, was announced in September 1978 and advertised as a minicomputer business system especially well-suited for actuarial applications. It was presented as an alternative to the IBM 5110 and expensive APL time-sharing systems.
If you spend more than $500 a month for APL time-share... you should own an MCM System 900. People like Merrill Lynch, John Hancock, Ontario Hydro and Mony Life already do.”reads one of the MCM/900 promotional brochure.
The computer’s virtual memory, claimed MCM, would satisfy storage requirements of even mid-sized companies. Like previous MCM computers, the /900 model supported APL programming language exclusively. Due to its spreadsheet-like features, APL was a darling of insurance and actuarial industries in the 1970s - the main focus of MCM marketing. The computer was reliable and provided with a well-stocked software library developed mostly by APL Datasystems Ltd.
Shown in the exhibit: an MCM/900.