# IBM 3279

> colour computer terminal in IBM 3270 series

**Wikidata**: [Q16253630](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16253630)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_3279)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ibm-3279

## Summary
The IBM 3279 is a color computer terminal in the IBM 3270 series, introduced by IBM in 1971. It provided advanced color display capabilities, enhancing the functionality of the block-oriented terminal family used for mainframe computing. As part of the widely adopted 3270 series, it supported efficient data processing in enterprise environments.

## Key Facts
- The IBM 3279 is a color terminal and a subclass of the IBM 3270 family of block-oriented terminals.
- The IBM 3270 series, including the 3279, was introduced by IBM in 1971.
- It supported color display, differentiating it from monochrome models in the 3270 lineup.
- The terminal used block-oriented data transmission protocols, characteristic of the 3270 series.
- The 3279 was designed for mainframe computing applications, common in corporate and institutional settings.

## FAQs
### Q: What distinguishes the IBM 3279 from other terminals in the 3270 series?
A: The IBM 3279 was notable for its color display capabilities, unlike earlier monochrome models in the series.

### Q: When was the IBM 3279 introduced?
A: The IBM 3270 series, which includes the 3279, was introduced in 1971. The exact release date of the 3279 model is not specified in available sources.

### Q: What was the primary use of the IBM 3279?
A: It was used for mainframe computing tasks, leveraging the 3270 series' block-oriented protocol for efficient data processing in enterprise environments.

## Why It Matters
The IBM 3279 played a significant role in advancing terminal technology by introducing color display to the established 3270 series. This enhancement improved data visualization and user interaction in mainframe environments, which were critical for large-scale computing in industries like finance, government, and healthcare. As part of the widely adopted 3270 family, the 3279 supported the growth of enterprise computing by enabling more sophisticated applications that benefited from color output. Its integration with IBM's block-oriented architecture ensured compatibility and reliability, reinforcing the 3270 series' dominance in mainframe terminal markets during the 1970s and 1980s.

## Notable For
- **Color Capability**: First color terminal in the IBM 3270 series, improving data presentation.
- **Block-Oriented Protocol**: Shared the 3270 series' efficient data transmission method, reducing mainframe workload.
- **Mainframe Integration**: Key tool for interacting with IBM mainframes in corporate and institutional settings.
- **Legacy Impact**: Contributed to the longevity and adaptability of the 3270 terminal family in enterprise computing.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- **Display**: Supported color output, a significant advancement over monochrome terminals.
- **Architecture**: Utilized the block-oriented data transmission protocol of the 3270 series, minimizing mainframe processing demands.

### Historical Context
- **Introduction**: Part of the IBM 3270 family, introduced in 1971 as a modernization of terminal technology.
- **Lineage**: Built on the success of earlier 3270 models, adding color to meet evolving user needs.

### Usage and Impact
- **Applications**: Primarily used for mainframe computing tasks, such as data entry, transaction processing, and system monitoring.
- **Industry Role**: Enhanced decision-making in sectors reliant on mainframes by enabling clearer data visualization through color coding.