Scientific Data Systems - Known Users

Known Users

Although initially intended as a Scientific Computer System, the Sigma series and the 900 series was used extensively as a Commercial Time Sharing System. The biggest such user was Comshare Inc, Ann Arbor, MI who extensively developed the hardware during the 1980s and the Sigma 9 was operated commercially until approx 1993. Developments and improvements by Comshare included the I-Channel which allowed the utilization of Bus/Tag (IBM compatible) devices and the ISI Communications interface. These innovations allowed Comshare to capitalize on the Sigma CPU's and their software development (Commander II) by gaining access to current technology storage systems. Recognition Equipment (Dallas, TX) used 910s in the 1960s to control its optical reading machines.

Other known users outside the U.S. include:

• British Airways (Sigma 2 & 3 - Flight Simulation)
• Link Simulation (Lansing)
• WS Atkins Engineering (Epsom)
• British Aerospace (Wharton) (Dual Sigma 5 - MRCA (Tornado) Flight Telemetry)
• Comshare (London)
• Cybernetics Research Consultants (Slough)
• Rank Xerox (Denham)
• Rank Radio International (Plymouth)
• Royal Naval Engineering College (Manadon)
• Warwick University (Sigma 5 - Braille Printer Research)
• Liverpool University (Sigma 2 - Particle Research)
• Addenbrookes Hospital (Cambridge)
• Charing Cross Hospital (London)
• University College Hospital (London)
• Rolls Royce and Associates (550 - Submarine Power Plant Research)
• St. Thomas Hospital (London)
• Government Chemist
• GCHQ
• N.G.T.E. Pyestock (National Gas Turbine Establishment, AKA Ministry of Public Buildings))
• J.Sefel
• Watsons (Insurance) Redhill
• A&AEE Boscombe Down (Sigma 5 - MRCA (Tornado) Flight Telemetry)
• RAE Bedford (Sigma 9 flight simulator)
• Cambridge university department of engineering Sigma 7
• SMRE - Safety in Mines Research Establishment - Sheffield
• Aeritalia Turin (Sigma 5 - MRCA (Tornado) Flight Telemetry)
• MBB Munich (Sigma 5 - MRCA (Tornado) Flight Telemetry)
• ICI North England (Sigma 2, 3, 5 - Chemical Plant Control)
• Sonatrach (Algeria)
• Rank Xerox (Milan)
• American Israeli Paper Mills (Israel)
• Israeli Navy (560)
• IAF Aircraft (Israel) (Sigma 5 - Flight Telemetry)
• AKU Studsvik (Sweden) (Dual Sigma 9 - Nuclear Power Station Simulators)
• West Chester University (Sigma 9 and X560)
• NASA (Sigma 5 and Sigma 7 - Pioneer Space Project)