|
An Wang was born on February 7th 1920 in Shanghai, China
He attended the Chiao-t'ung University in Shanghai and gained a bachelors degree in science in 1940.
In 1945 he emigrated to the United States where he attended Harvard University and gained a PhD in applied physics and engineering by 1948.
Whilst attending Harvard, An was introduced to computers. Immediately he saw the possibilities of computers becoming a part of everyday life, and the same year he gained his PhD, he also invented the magnetic memory core, which served as the core of computer memories until the invention of the microchip.
In 1951 he founded Wang Laboratories, which became the manufacturer of office computers and desktop calculators, they went on to become one of the most successful American hi-technology companies in the 1970`s and early eighties.
In 1986 An retired as President of the company and was succeeded by his son Fredrick.
Four years later on March 24th An died in Boston, Massachusetts.
Just two years later the company were forced to file for bankruptcy.
|
