Adage, Inc., was a Boston-based electronics and computer manufacturer founded in 1957, first specializing in analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, and later in computer graphics systems.

Adage, Inc.
IndustryComputer
Founded1957; 67 years ago (1957) in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
FounderJames I. "Jim" Stockwell
Defunct1994; 30 years ago (1994)
FateAcquried by Systems & Computer Technology Corporation

It was founded by James I. "Jim" Stockwell and two other MIT graduates in Boston in 1957,[1] and later moved to Billerica.

Starting in 1967, Adage focused on computer graphics systems. Its most advanced system in 1967 was the GS/300.[2] In 1976, it introduced the GT/2250 Vector Graphics Workstation, which was plug compatible with the IBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit;[3] it later created the Adage 4000 and, in 1985, the Adage 6000 series workstation.[4]

In 1989, Adage held merger talks with various potential partners, including Multiflow Computer and GBIC, but they were not consummated.[5] Adage was acquired by Systems & Computer Technology Corporation for US$5 million in 1994.[3]

Bibliography edit

  • Thomas G. Hagan, Richard J. Nixon, Luis J. Schaefer, "The Adage Graphics Terminal", Proceedings of the December 9-11, 1968, Fall Joint Computer Conference 1:747-755 ACM, 1968. full text
  • Materials about Adage for the Computer and Image Exhibit, Computer History Museum, [2]
  • A. van Dam, R.D. Bergeron, "Software Capabilities of the Adage Graphics Terminals" in R.D. Parslow, et al., Advanced Computer Graphics, 1971 preview

Notes edit

  1. ^ "James I. 'Jim' Stockwell", Obituary, The Boston Globe
  2. ^ Dan Ryan, History of Computer Graphics, 2011, p. 51
  3. ^ a b Jon Peddie, The History of Visual Magic in Computers: How Beautiful Images are Made in CAD, 3D, VR, and AR, 2013, ISBN 1447149327, p. 315, 319
  4. ^ "Vintage computers and related technology: Adage, Inc.", Classic Tech [1]
  5. ^ "Ever a bridesmaid", Computerworld August 21, 1989, p. 74