A multi-user system built up from an IBM AT-alike and a dedicated add-in co-processor board aimed at first-time business users wanting to run applications designed for minicomputer-based systems has been announced by MDS Qantel Inc, Hayward, California. The Qantel System 15 can be operated as a single-user system or expanded by adding up to eight further terminals. The software can also be transferred unchanged to a larger Qantel system with the System 15 be used as a terminal to it. Qantel has gone to Wyse Technology Inc of San Jose for the AT-alike, and marries it to the Q8K add-in co-processor board announced at Comdex/Fall. The Q8K is based on a Zilog Z8000 microprocessor and runs the BEST/AOS minicomputer operating system, with the 80286 in the Wyse handling disk and other input-output functions. The System 15 comes with an 84Mb (unformatted) disk and tape streamer. Software developed by Qantel or its dealers includes applications for the manufacturing, retail and hotel industries. System 15 prices start at $12,000 and ships have started.
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