Mini power needed for multiple terminals

Press, 26 October 1982, Page 33

Mini power needed for multiple terminals

Much is made these days of the microcomputer — but for bigger jobs the powerful minicomputer remains essential. That’s the view of NCR (NZ). Ltd. which has more than 130 minis installed and says some significant orders recently reflect the success of its approach. To help cope with demand the company has extended the scope of its selling, now receiving orders through agents as well as from its own sales force. "For true interactive processing a mini is needed." comments Mr \V. A. Castray. of NCR. “A mini is especially required in a multi-terminal environment. The market recognises our expertise and long experience with userfriendly, interactive systems and we are currently selling more of them than ever." Williams and Gosling. Fiji’s largest general customs agent, has bought a large 9020 system which will run customs agents’ software written by a specialist Auckland firm (in addition to NCR’s own programm). The machine, with three terminals. will be installed shortly. A new Auckland bureau being set up to run interactive applications will also use a 9020, in this case with four terminals. Distributors have sold a three-terminal 9020 system to Heatons Transport, of Tauranga, and a two-termi-nal 9010 Group II to Holeman Construction of Hamilton. These firms will use special software developed by the distributors. NCR is also having success with intelligent terminals. The Thomas Cook travel organisation has recently placed an initial order for two NCR 2950 intelligent terminals with diskette storage. The order is in line with a worldwide plan to install intelligent terminals at all of the company’s major branches. NCR's 2950 is a freestanding terminal running under BASIC with data transferred via various communications options or by diskette. Information collected at the terminals there will be sent to a host computer in Australia.