An Wang Inventor, founder of "Wang Laboratories" Date of Birth: 07.02.1920 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Memory Storage and Quantum Devices
3. Founding Wang Laboratories
4. Calculator and Computer Innovations
5. Expansion and Mini-Computers
6. Leadership Transition and Financial Struggles
7. Educational and Philanthropic Endeavors
8. Legacy

Early Life and Education

An Wang, an American inventor of Chinese descent, was born in Shanghai. In 1940, he graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University with a degree in electrical engineering. He immigrated to the United States in 1945 to pursue a master's degree at Harvard University. He earned a Ph.D. in physics in 1948 and continued his work at Harvard on Howard Aiken's Mark IV project, the first fully electronic computer.

Memory Storage and Quantum Devices

While at Harvard, Wang invented a pulse control device with his classmate Wo Weidu. This device allowed for read-after-write operations and facilitated the development of magnetic core memory. In 1951, Wang left Harvard due to reduced funding for computer research.

Founding Wang Laboratories

In June 1951, Wang established Wang Laboratories as a sole proprietorship. Initially unprofitable, he secured $50,000 in working capital by selling one-third of the company to Warner & Swasey Company. In 1955, after obtaining a patent for magnetic core memory, Wang sold it to IBM for $500,000 and incorporated Wang Laboratories with another former classmate, Chu Ge-yao.

Calculator and Computer Innovations

Wang Laboratories gradually grew, reaching $1 million in sales by 1964. Wang introduced a range of desktop electronic calculators with digital displays, including a central calculator connected to remote terminals. By 1970, the company had $27 million in sales and 1,400 employees. In 1976, it launched the Wang 2200, one of the first desktop computers with a large CRT monitor, leading to the production of word processors.

Expansion and Mini-Computers

In addition to calculators and word processors, Wang's company expanded into mini-computers in the early 1970s. The Wang VS mini-computer supported multiple users and resembled IBM's System/360, including a compatible instruction set.

Leadership Transition and Financial Struggles

Wang Laboratories relocated its headquarters to Tewksbury and then Lowell. In 1986, Wang decided to step down from active management and insisted on handing over control to his son, Fred Wang. However, the company faced financial losses, and Wang had to dismiss his son in 1989.

Educational and Philanthropic Endeavors

Wang founded the Wang Institute of Graduate Studies in 1979, offering graduate programs in software engineering. He contributed significantly to the institution, including revenue from his autobiography, "Lessons." However, due to a lack of student enrollment, Wang closed the institute in 1987 and transferred ownership to Boston University.

Wang also played a key role in renovating the Boston architectural landmark later named the Metropolitan Theatre. In 1983, it became known as The Wang Theatre, and the surrounding area the Wang Center for the Performing Arts.

Legacy

An Wang died of cancer in 1990, leaving an impressive technological and philanthropic legacy. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1988. His wife, Lorraine, and their three children—Fred, Courtney, and Juliet—continue to carry on his work and influence.