Used DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION / DEC Equipment for sale

Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), also known as Digital, was a prominent American company that pioneered the computer industry starting from the 1950s until the 1990s. Established in 1957 by Kenneth Olsen and Harlan Anderson, DEC was renowned for its groundbreaking technological innovations and high-quality products. DEC initially began as a manufacturer of electronic test equipment, quickly establishing a reputation for producing reliable, precision instruments that were integral to scientific research and development. This market success provided a solid foundation for DEC to venture into the emerging computer industry. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, DEC made significant breakthroughs with its computer systems, including the PDP-8 and PDP-11 series. These were compact and affordable computers compared to the bulky and expensive mainframes dominating the market at that time. The PDP series gained popularity, making DEC one of the biggest computer manufacturers and expanding its customer base to include universities, government agencies, and businesses. DEC continued to push boundaries with its innovative technology. In the 1980s, the company introduced the VAX (Virtual Address eXtension) series, which became the flagship product line. The VAX systems were known for their superior performance, scalability, and support for advanced features like multitasking and virtual memory. Besides computer systems, DEC also excelled in developing software and peripherals. Their operating systems, such as RDOS, RSX-11, and the VAX/VMS series, were widely regarded for their stability and functionality. Additionally, DEC established itself as a major player in the printer, networking, and storage devices markets. Despite its early success and contributions to the computer industry, DEC faced numerous challenges in the 1990s due to intense competition and struggles to adapt to changing technologies. In 1998, DEC was acquired by Compaq Computer Corporation. The acquisition marked the end of DEC's independent operation, but its technological advancements and spirit left an enduring legacy in the industry.