In 1987, IBM launched a new line of personal computers that were technologically more sophisticated. They arc called the Personal System/2 (PS/2) computers. PS/2s are smaller, sleeker machines that use the 3½-inch micro floppy and are capable of utilizing some advanced internal components that enhance speed and make the machine more versatile. There are many different models of PS/2s, including one that works just like the original PC, a PC/AT, and several 386 and 486 models.
IBM chose to make the PS/2 a closed architecture, meaning competitor would need permission to obtain the specifications and duplicate it. More in keeping with its corporate philosophy, IBM hoped to keep the market to itself. Most computers have a closed architecture; the Apple Macintosh is another example. Two aspects of the PS/2's closed architecture are the Micro Channel Architecture (which permits connections to other larger IBM computers) and the operating system, called OS/2®. It provided advantages over DOS such as utilizing more random access memory (RAM) and multitasking, the ability to use two or more applications at the same time. Although slow to catch on in the early years, PS/2 use is growing; and IBM has made OS/2 available for sale to anyone who wants to use it. There are many factors in the computer industry that are leading away from any type of closed architecture.
