Convergent Technologies Operating System
BTOS
STARSYS

    (CTOS, BTOS, STARSYS) /see-toss/ A modular,
   message-passing, multi-process based operating system.

   Convergent Technologies' first product was the IWS
   (Integrated Workstation) based on the Intel 8086, which had
   CTOS as its operating system.  It is a modular operating
   system with built in local area networking.  CTOS supports
   multiple processes or threads, and message-based
   inter-process communication.

   Companies which have licensed CTOS include Burroughs (BTOS)
   and Bull (STARSYS).  The largest customer was Unisys, with
   whom Convergent Technologies merged to become one company in
   1988.  CTOS now has over 800,000 users worldwide.

   CTOS runs on Intel Pentium computers, and can run
   concurrently with Microsoft Windows NT.

   For some reason, CTOS is no longer marketted to new customers,
   although there is a support comittment for existing customers
   until 2001.  Major customers include Police Forces, Banks, and
   Airlines.

   ["Exploring CTOS", Miller E., Crook J., Loy J. - Prentice
   Hall, ISBN 0-13-297342-1, 1991].

   (1996-09-24)