Date   : Thu, 15 Dec 1983 11:26:03 EST
From   : Dave Towson (info-cpm) <cpmlist@brl-vgr>
Subject: [Wiedemann.4506i: Z-100, USAF & Navy]

Here is a little more information on the Zenith microcomputers available 
through the Government Employees Association.

Dave Towson
info-cpm-request@brl-vgr


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Date:  15 December 1983 07:37 est
From:  Wiedemann.4506i1808@radc-multics
Subject:  Z-100, USAF & Navy
To:  ABN.ISCAMS@usc-isid
cc:  info-cpm-request@brl

ELECTRONIC NEWS on 10 Oct 83 reported:

     "Zenith Data Systems last week snagged a 3-year contract valued at
$29.2 million from 16 other competitors, including Burroughs and NCR, to
furnish the Air Force and Navy with microcomputers."
     "Zenith's Z-100 desktop system was selected from over 50
competitors, with the 16 finalists including NCR, with its DecisionMate,
North Star's Advantage, and Burroughs' B20.  IBM's Personal Computer and
Digital Equipment's Raibow also were among the finalists but those
computers were bid by system houses."
     "Under the terms of the contract, ZDS, a Zenith Radio Corp.
subsidiary, will supply a minimum of 6,000 microcom- puters over the
next three years, for use by Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.  The
Zenith microcomputers will communicate with other DOD computer systems."

     The rest of the article described the configuration of the system
and other peripheral/accessory suppliers.
     What this really means is that the Air Force and Navy has decided
that if a unit can otherwise justify a small computer, the one that will
be supplied will be the Z-120.  This does not mean that computers will
automatically be supplied to all offices in DOD.  The main purpose for
this is to maintain as much interoffice compatibility for media and
program format as possible.  The competition was based, by the way, on a
rather extensive list of requirements.  Most of the other suppliers
would have had to get waivers for portions of those requirements.  Only
Zenith's machine fully met them.  (e.g.  5" and 8" capability, S-100,
dual processors).
     There is much more than this, Dave.  I can send you a copy if you
would like it for your files.  I have already sent my personal order in
to the Government Employees' Association.  Watch the net for further
information on this.  

                                         Wolf Wiedemann

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