In 1981, Wang Laboratories Inc. released a groundbreaking computer, the Wang Professional Computer, that revolutionized the way people worked. Among other innovative features, the Wang Professional Computer allowed users to work remotely, from home. This early form of remote work was made possible through telecommuting, remote access, and office automation – technologies that we still use today. Let’s explore how Wang Computers contributed to the pioneering of remote work.

1. Telecommuting

Telecommuting, or working remotely, is a well-established practice today. However, in 1981, the concept was relatively new. The Wang Professional Computer allowed users to work from home, accessing the office network and applications remotely. This capability was a game-changer, enabling employees to work from anywhere and at any time. Wang Computers’ vision of telecommuting laid the foundation for today’s widely accepted remote work practices.

2. Remote Access

A significant feature of the Wang Professional Computer was its remote access capabilities. This feature allowed workers to access mainframe databases and applications from their remote computer terminals. This meant that employees could work from home without being physically present in the office. Besides, remote access provided a way to work on critical tasks outside of office hours, thus increasing productivity and flexibility.

3. Office Automation

The Wang Professional Computer was also responsible for advancing office automation technology, which refers to the use of computer systems and software to automate office tasks. The computer came equipped with numerous features such as word processing, spreadsheet, and electronic mail, which streamlined office work and increased efficiency. By automating various tasks, work could be completed faster without the need for manual labor typical of pre-computer era offices.

4. Impact on Remote Work Today

Although Wang Laboratories is no longer a player in the computer industry, its pioneering work in telecommuting, remote access, and office automation has had a lasting impact on remote work today. With the rise of digital technologies, remote work has become commonplace, enabling employees to work from anywhere worldwide. Remote work can increase productivity, reduce commuting time, and provide flexibility and work-life balance. Companies such as Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft have now taken over the helm of remote work technologies, but Wang Computers’ early contributions cannot be understated.

Conclusion

Wang Laboratories’ Wang Professional Computer paved the way for today’s remote work practices. Its telecommuting, remote access, and office automation capabilities provided early solutions when there were none and have led to the development of innovations that are now commonplace today. The Wang Professional Computer has laid a solid foundation for remote work technologies that we continue to use and improve today. Its influence can be seen throughout the computer industry, and it is safe to say that remote work would not have developed as it has without Wang Computers’ early innovations.