New IBM Models Allow Quick Moves of Data

International Business Machines Corp. introduced six new personal computers Tuesday that allow quick transfer of information among a network of microcomputers.

The machines, which include new versions of IBM’s Model 80 plus a new machine called the Model 65 SX, are IBM’s first workstations or file servers based on jazzed-up personal computers. Analysts said they will enable the computer giant to catch up with the rest of the personal computer market in that field. IBM had not introduced a new top-end Model 80 since 1987.

File servers are computers that can quickly disperse individual files to a number of other computers, contrasted with a stand-alone computer that does not have such capability.

IBM already makes larger computers that can be used as file servers for networks of machines.

The new Personal System-2(a) models are variations of IBM’s Personal System-2 desktop computer line, offer twice as much memory as earlier Model 60s and 80s and include high-performance fixed disks as standard equipment.

Four of the new machines are based on versions of Intel Corp.’s 80386-series microprocessor. A new system, the IBM Personal System-2 Model 65 SX, is designed around the Intel 80386SX microprocessor.

All are equipped with microchannel card adapters called Small Computer System Interface that will enable the user to attach up to seven devices such as printers, disk drives or optical scanners through a single system expansion slot. Previous adapters allowed only one hookup.