Alpha Micro bundled their operating system and tools such as BASIC and their ISAM implementation as part of the hardware sale, also providing patches and OS upgrades for free or at minimal cost. Gradually, Alpha Micro has transitioned to charging for their software as hardware becomes more of a commodity item. The Alpha Microsystems package often included software that allow traditional multi-user systems, like AMOS and others such as Sun, DEC, HP and IBM mainframes to interface with the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface and supported peripherals. This software functioned similar to Citrix or the X Window System. The Alpha Micro computer has never achieved mainstream name recognition, though it has been traditionally popular in certain vertical markets, particularly medical, law, and dental offices. There were two organizations which produced periodic newsletters and held annual meetings; AMUS (Alpha Micro Users Society), and IAMDA (International Alpha Micro Dealer's Association). It was typically at these annual meetings that the latest hardware and software products were announced by Alpha Microsystems and third party developers. References External links An emulator for the WD16 based system is available. The Alpha Micro Phun Machine, running on an AMOS-based Eagle 300 system. Alpha Micro 1000 page on www.old-computers.com 1977 establishments in California 2018 establishments in California American companies established in 1977 American companies established in 2018 Computer companies established in 1977 Computer companies disestablished in 2018 Defunct computer companies based in California Defunct computer companies of the United States Defunct computer hardware companies Minicomputers