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Convergent Technologies
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==History== The Distributed Systems division was responsible for the IWS, AWS, and NGEN.<ref name="InfoWorldIndustryWorkhorse" /> In 1982, Convergent formed the Data Systems division to focus on a multi-processor computer known as the MegaFrame, "the first system upgradable from super-minicomputer to mainframe". The division was headed by Ben Wegbreit and also responsible for the MiniFrame.<ref name="InfoWorldIndustryWorkhorse">{{cite news|last1=Shea|first1=Tom|title=The Industry Workhorse: Convergent Technologies designs computers for name-brand makers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eC4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA44|pages=44β45|publisher=InfoWorld|date=23 July 1984}}</ref> [[Steve Blank]], in charge of division marketing, went on to found several Silicon Valley startups, including [[Epiphany, Inc.|E.piphany]], and {{as of|2012 |lc=yes}} lectures on technology startups at [[Stanford University]] and elsewhere; Jon Huie was in charge of Software; Richard Lowenthal was in charge of Hardware. Convergent also formed the Advanced Information Products division, with Matt Sanders taking lead of the new division.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Robertson |first1=Barbara |title=California Hardware |journal=Byte Magazine |issue=November 1983 |pages=58}}</ref> He was tasked with developing a computer for the low-end market (price target $499).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Katz |first1=Barry M. |title=Make It New: A History of Silicon Valley Design |date=September 4, 2015 |page=67}}</ref> The "Ultra" team was assembled and their pioneering mobile computing product, the WorkSlate, released in November 1983. The Special Projects division was responsible for the AT&T products.<ref name="InfoWorldIndustryWorkhorse" /> Former [[Hewlett-Packard]] executive Paul C. Ely Jr. took over as CEO in January 1985.<ref name="founderquits" /><ref name="elytosave" /> That year ''[[UnixWorld]]'' reported that Convergent was the "only supermicro supplier that has succeeded in moving its product through large-volume OEM channels", unlike competitors like [[Fortune Systems]]. The company giving equity stakes and manufacturing licenses to OEMs like [[Burroughs Corporation]] had encouraged such relationships. Its prices were so low as to be sometimes unprofitable, the magazine said.<ref name="serlin198511">{{Cite magazine |last=Serlin |first=Omri |date=November 1985 |title=Whatever Happened to the Supermicro Market? |url=https://archive.org/details/Unix_World_Vol02_10.pdf/page/n17/mode/1up?view=theater |access-date=2025-05-17 |magazine=Unix World |pages=16-19}}</ref> Michels, Sanders, Wegbreit, and another executive left in October 1985 to form [[Stardent Inc.#Ardent Computer Corporation|The Dana Group]].<ref name="ComputerIndustry">{{cite news|last1=McEnaney|first1=Maura|title=Michels sees evolving niche for personal supercomputer|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gvU799ixIbcC&pg=PA115|accessdate=13 November 2017|publisher=Computer Industry|date=20 October 1986}}</ref><ref name="founderquits">{{cite news |title=Founder quits Convergent |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/10/31/Founder-quits-Convergent/2986499582800/ |publisher=UPI |date=October 31, 1985}}</ref> Shortly after, Convergent purchased 40% of Baron Data Systems for $14.6 million.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McEnaney|first1=Maura|title=Convergent invests in Baron|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O90MzD9_kawC&q=%22Convergent+Technologies%22+%2B+%22Allen+Michels%22&pg=PA154|accessdate=13 November 2017|publisher=Computer World|date=18 November 1985}}</ref> Then purchased the remainder of Baron in May 1987, for $33 million. Convergent reached an agreement to acquire [[3Com]] in March 1986, but the merger was called off at the last moment. [[Unisys]] bought Convergent Technologies in 1988,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pollack|first1=Andrew|title=Company News - Unisys Says It Will Buy Convergent|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/11/business/company-news-unisys-says-it-will-buy-convergent.html|accessdate=15 November 2017|work=The New York Times|date=11 August 1988}}</ref> after which Convergent Technologies became Unisys Network Computing Group (NCG).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techmonitor.ai/technology/unisys_corp_puts_ely_in_charge_of_2000m_unix_group |title=UNISYS Corp Puts Ely in Charge of $2,000m UNIX Group |author=CBR Staff Writer |date=December 13, 1988 |website=Tech Monitor |publisher=New Statesman Media Group Ltd |access-date=November 29, 2021}}</ref>
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