IBM System/36
Model 5360 | |
| Also known as | S/36 |
|---|---|
| Developer | IBM |
| Type | Midrange computer |
| Release date | May 16, 1983 |
| Discontinued | 1989 |
| Operating system | System Support Program |
| CPU | MSP and CSP |
| Dimensions | 1000x1130(1780)x750mm (5360) 650x375x750mm (5362)
650x240(320)x700mm (5363) |
| Predecessor | IBM System/34 |
| Successor | IBM AS/400 |
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The IBM System/36 (often abbreviated as S/36) was a midrange computer marketed by IBM from 1983 to 2000 - a multi-user, multi-tasking successor to the System/34.
Like the System/34 and the older System/32, the System/36 was primarily programmed in the RPG II language. One of the machine's optional features was an off-line storage mechanism (on the 5360 model) that utilized "magazines" – boxes of 8-inch floppies that the machine could load and eject in a nonsequential fashion. The System/36 also had many mainframe features such as programmable job queues and scheduling priority levels.
While these systems were similar to other manufacturer's minicomputers, IBM themselves described the System/32, System/34 and System/36 as "small systems" and later as midrange computers along with the System/38 and succeeding IBM AS/400 range.
The AS/400 series and IBM Power Systems running IBM i can run System/36 code in the System/36 Environment, although the code needs to be recompiled on IBM i first.