Wang Laboratories, Inc.

Started by An Wang in 1951, Wang Laboratories first produced magnetic core memory devices. When he received some money from IBM to buy out his interest in the magnetic core memory patent, his firm switched to supplying digital control devices.

Wang produced a line of electronic calculators aimed at the scientific market and also began to introduce systems for business applications such as auto sales loan calculations. He also development LINASEC, a semiautomatic, justifying typesetter.

That, in 1971, led to the development of word processing systems and Wang became a well-known supplier of office equipment. An Wang retired in 1982 and died in 1990. The firm filed for bankruptcy in 1992.