The IBM System/36 PC, a powerful desktop computer directed at the data processing needs of departments within a large organization, combines a compact System/36 processor and a directly attached IBM Personal Computer, PC XT® or Personal Computer AT®. The system enables customers to use programs and data from both the System/36 and PC families, and to communicate with other System/36 or host computers. The computer also can support up to four locally attached workstations.

Two desktop versions of the Series/1 computer enable customers to employ existing Series/1 applications or extend Series/1 networks to smaller operations within their organizations. Based on the IBM Personal Computer AT and a modified model of the IBM PC XT, the low-end Series/1 models make use of a central processing unit fabricated on a single integrated logic chip.

Customers with larger System/36 processors can increase the power and flexibility of their systems by adding optional memory cards.

Increased use of high-speed bipolar technology and a high-density logic module has resulted in a more cost-efficient mid-range version of the System/38 processor. The new model 18 delivers 10 percent better performance at a 12 percent lower price.

Programs that enable the System/38 to function in office networks, and equipment enhancements that allow users to double the number of workstations they can locally attach to their systems also were introduced.

An innovative programming package—VM/SP-Entry—extends the power and flexibility of IBM's VM operating system to customers with IBM 4361 processors for about half the cost of earlier VM products.