IBM 7080

The IBM 7080 was a transistorized, variable word length, decimal computer introduced by IBM in 1960. It was designed primarily for business data processing, intended as a higher-performance, solid-state successor to the vacuum tube-based IBM 705. The 7080 maintained compatibility with the 705 at the program level, which allowed existing 705 users to upgrade their systems without significant software rewrites.

The machine utilized a core memory system and featured a large character repertoire. Key features included overlapped processing, which allowed multiple operations to occur simultaneously, and a comprehensive set of instructions tailored for commercial applications. The 7080 was known for its speed and reliability compared to its predecessors. It was typically used for large-scale accounting, inventory control, and other business-oriented tasks. Its architecture was geared towards efficiently handling large volumes of alphanumeric data.