IBM also announced a whole string of extensions to its 4680 in store point-of-sale system, notably a new release of the 4680 operating system – version 2 – which provides some models of the PS/2, the 5170 AT/Store Controller and the IBM 4683 Point-of-Sale Terminal with a multitasking, multi-user environment so that users can run application programs, manage system services, and define the system configuration. An optional Multiple Controller feature provides IBM PC Network Adaptor and Token Ring Adaptor support on the 5170 AT/Store Controller and PS/2 for both Multiple Controller file backup and 4680 local area networking. An optional 3270 Emulation Feature enables keyboards, displays and printers on the 5170 and PS/2 60, 70 and 80 to function as 3270 terminal devices in an SNA network. It supports files greater than 32Mb and is likely based on Digital Research’s Concurrent DOS. It is $2,100 plus $820 for the Multiple Controller Feature and 1,090 for 3270 from October worldwide. There is also a new 4687 flat-top Point-of-Sale Scanner for all models of the 4683 Point-of-Sale Terminal at $2,015 from November; and a Store Controller Kit that enables a PS/2 60, 70 or 80 running the 4680 operating system to become a Store Controller. A Second Store Loop Adaptor/A option monitors another store loop’s activity and, with the 4680 Operating System, takes control of the other loop if it sees a lack of activity. The kit is $1,125, the adaptor $875, the cable $42; October.
