Code Like It's 198x

IMSAI

Company Details

Founded:
1 January 1973
Location:
San Leandro, California, United States

Key People

Founders:
William Millard (Founder)
Key People:
William Millard (Founder, CEO) 1973-1984

Business Focus

  • Early microcomputers
  • S-100 bus systems

Notable Products

  • IMSAI 8080 (Computer) - 1975
  • IMSAI VDP-80 (Computer) - 1978

Legacy

IMSAI created one of the most successful Altair 8800 competitors and helped establish the S-100 bus standard. Famous for appearing in the film WarGames.

IMSAI (Information Management Sciences of America, Inc.) was an early personal computer company founded in 1973 by William Millard. The company became widely known for the IMSAI 8080, released in 1975 as a clone and enhancement of the MITS Altair 8800. It was one of the first commercially successful microcomputers and helped popularise the S-100 bus standard.

The IMSAI 8080 featured a more robust chassis, a clearer front panel interface, and greater expandability than its Altair predecessor, making it a favourite among hobbyists and early developers. It was also featured prominently in popular culture, most famously in the 1983 film WarGames.

IMSAI later attempted to enter the business computing market with products like the VDP-80, but struggled against emerging competitors. The company faded in the early 1980s and was dissolved by the mid-decade.

💡 Did You Know?

  • The IMSAI 8080’s toggle switches became iconic for early PC users and collectors.
  • William Millard later founded ComputerLand, one of the first major computer retail chains.
  • IMSAI was a key player in the formation of the microcomputer industry before Apple and IBM.

🗃 Related People

External Resources