Modcomp

Modcomp, short for Modular Computer Systems, Inc., was a computer company founded in 1968 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company specialized in manufacturing real-time process control computers and related systems. Modcomp systems were frequently employed in industrial automation, simulation, and data acquisition applications.

Modcomp distinguished itself from many competitors by designing its hardware and software to be highly modular. This modularity allowed customers to configure systems tailored to their specific needs and to easily upgrade components as technology advanced. This approach also contributed to the longevity of Modcomp systems in many applications.

The company's product line included a range of 16-bit and 32-bit minicomputers, along with associated peripherals and software. Key product series included the Modcomp II, Modcomp IV, and later, the Classic series. These systems were known for their robust construction, reliability, and performance in demanding real-time environments.

Modcomp offered a variety of operating systems, including MAX IV and MAX 32. These operating systems were specifically designed for real-time applications and provided features such as priority-based scheduling, interrupt handling, and inter-process communication. The company also provided a range of software development tools, including compilers, assemblers, and debuggers.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Modcomp enjoyed considerable success in the real-time computing market. However, increased competition from larger computer manufacturers and the rise of microprocessor-based systems gradually eroded Modcomp's market share. The company was eventually acquired, and the Modcomp brand disappeared from the market. Despite its eventual decline, Modcomp played a significant role in the development of real-time computing technology and left a legacy of innovation in the field of industrial automation.