The Wang Word Processing System was an early system, developed in 1972, which used magnetic tape cassettes to store documents, and used a standard typewriter. CRT screens were added about five years later. The WPS, introduced in 1976, was a CRT-based word processor with disk storage for four thousand pages and a 350 word-per-minute letter quality printer.

The Wang VS product line, introduced in 1977, was a computer system based on virtual storage technology offering mainframe computing capabilities as well as word processing functions, was introduced in 1977. By 1978 had become the largest supplier of small business computers in North America. Also by 1978, Wang became the largest producer of video display screen word processing equipment in the world. The Wang OIS series word processing system was introduced in 1979. The Wang Alliance System and the WangNet broadband-based local area network were announced in 1981. In 1982, Wang Laboratories introduced the Wang PC and the Wang Professional Image Computer (PIC) which uses a camera as a data entry device to the Wang PC to add visuals to text stored in the computer.

In 1985, Wang Laboratories signed a joint manufacturing agreement with the People's Republic of China to produce Wang hardware and software products and open additional growth opportunities in the Asia/Pacific area. Wang Laboratories also developed high technology imaging systems for business applications. In 1990, Wang had a user base of over 50,000 and $550 million in installed systems. In 1991, IBM and Wang enter into agreement to have Wang market some PS/2 products under Wang name.

Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, Wang dominated the worldÆs office technology market. The Wang 2200 computer, introduced in 1973, more than halved the cost of computing for small businesses and vaulted Wang to leadership in the commercial computing marketplace. WangÆs word processing system, introduced in 1976, was the first successful use of microprocessors in the computer industry. WangNet, a broadband-based local network, debuted in 1981.

In 1982, Wang launched its personal computer. In 1985 came WangOffice, which integrated electronic mail, calendaring, database access and other advanced office functions and features. Wang grew exponentially - there seemed to be no upper limit to its success.

Revolution and Evolution

But there was indeed a limit, and Wang arrived there abruptly in the late 1980s. Dramatic gains in chip design quickly shifted the office technology industry away from minicomputer and proprietary systems like WangÆs. The market evolved toward open systems that could accommodate many vendorsÆ technologies. WangÆs response to the new market drivers was too little, too late. The company suffered heavy operating losses, the effects of which were compounded by a debt-heavy financial structure. In August 1992, a little over two years after Dr. Wang died, the company sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while it restructured.

Re-inventing Wang û Through Software and Services

In a little over a year, Wang emerged from bankruptcy protection under the direction of new CEO and Chairman Joe Tucci. The companyÆs major assets included an extensive portfolio of software patents and intellectual property, a worldwide organization and a vast installed base of loyal customers.

By the middle of the 1990s, the company that had been a bellwether system manufacturer had transformed into a world leader in the development and implementation of imaging and workflow software. Wang also maintained and grew its core service businesses. It met the service needs of those who still relied on its durable minicomputers, and it provided vendor-independent network and desktop services and support for hundreds of other companiesÆ products.

Wang OPEN/image software, introduced in 1992, helped change how offices function by transforming paper documents into digital images. This made it possible for a given document to be instantaneously available to networked employees around the globe. WangÆs prowess in digital imaging attracted the attention of alliance partner Eastman Kodak, which purchased Wang Software in 1997. Wang then turned its full attention to its services business.

Acquisitions, Partnering and a Dedication to Services

Through the mid-1990s, Wang expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions to become a global information technology services leader. Each acquisition brought new capabilities or broadened the companyÆs geographic reach.