Varian Data Machines

Varian is a leading firm in the provision of scientific instruments of many kinds. It attempted to enter the minicomputer market, mainly with machines designed to automate its laboratory instruments, but found that it was difficult to compete with market leaders like Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and others.

Their machines were largely used in situations where the normal user didn’t encounter them, e.g., as switches in early timesharing systems etc. The Varian Data Machines Division of the company was eventually acquired by Sperry Univac in 1977 to form their Univac Mini Computer Operation Division.