---
title: Independant Business Systems BetaSystem
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Professional Computer
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1982'
cpus:
- Z80
params:
  name: BetaSystem
  image: /media/museum/photos/ibs_betasystem_system_1.jpg
  company: /companies/independant-business-systems
  company_name: Independant Business Systems
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: BetaSystem
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Independant Business Systems
  - label: TYPE
    value: Professional Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: U.S.A.
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1982'
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: Video/keyboard serial terminal
  - label: CPU
    value: Z80
  - label: SPEED
    value: 4 Mhz.
  - label: RAM
    value: 128 KB per Z80 card
  - label: ROM
    value: 2 KB
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: Unknown
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: Unknown
  - label: COLORS
    value: Unknown
  - label: SOUND
    value: Unknown
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: Unknown
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: Unknown
  - label: OS
    value: USCD PASCAL, CP/M, TURBODOS
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: Built-in P.S.U.
  - label: PERIPHERALS
    value: S-100 boards
  - label: PRICE
    value: Unknown
  tabs:
  - adverts
  forum_thread: 581
  adverts:
  - title: 36 MHZ. IN 1982?
    subtitle: ''
    text: The title of this advert was very optimistic. In fact, the 36 Mhz speed is obtained by adding the speed of the 9 x Z80 cards installed into the system. The maximum system speed was in fact 4 Mhz.
    image: /media/museum/pubs/ibs_betasystem_pub_1.jpg
  - title: 64 BITS IN 1983?
    subtitle: ''
    text: |-
      After the optimistic 36 Mhz. speed, here is the 64 bits processing power... with 8 bits/Z80 cards. Here also, the 64 bits 'power' is obtained by putting eight 8 bits cards together in the case.\
      Not a very honest way to sell a computer that is no more than a classic S-100 / Z80 based system with some multi-user capabilities.
    image: /media/museum/pubs/ibs_betasystem_pub_2.jpg
  oc_id: 592
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230416215944/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=592
    date: '2023-04-16'
---

The BetaSystem was a S-100 BUS based system using a complete computer Z80 card that could handle two time-shared users. Up to nine cards could be installed in the case allowing up to 18 users / video terminals to be connected and used simultaneously.

As usual with S-100 based systems, a large range of storage devices could be added to the system: 5.25", 8" or 14" Winchester disk drives from 5 MB to 600 MB, 5.25" or 8" floppies, and tape cartridges up to 100 MB.

Mainly based on the UCSD PASCAL operating system, the BetaSystem could also be used with CP/M and TurboDos O.S.

<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>