Used computer dealers in the US are resigned to a heavy writedown of the value of their stocks of used Wang VS machines following Wang Laboratories’ announcement that it would, from July 1, unbundle the operating system from the hardware and charge for a new licence every time a machine changes hands or a user upgrades an existing one (CI No 930). Wang will be offering both one-time licences – for the life of a particular machine at one site – and an annual licence. The levels have not yet been set, but will be announced in a few weeks.
