A microprogramming language for the B-1726

The “New Products” section of a recent issue of COMPUTER I carried announcements of four new commercial computers offering writeable microprogram memory. Three of these, the HP2100S, the Interdata Model 85, and the Microdata 3200, provide at least rudimentary facilities to develop trailored instruction sets, special algorithms, or entire applications functions. The fourth was the IBM System/370, Model 115. In addition, the two-level microprogrammed Nanodata QM-1, is now operational, and providing empirical data with which to appraise contemporary concepts of microprogramming and emulation. Another recent entry into the writeable control store machine market is the Burroughs B-1700 family5-8. Although at this point in time user of the machine are not supported in access to the micro-level, such access is technically possible and there is evidence that Burroughs may eventually make exception to a hands off policy.