# MP/M

> multi-user version of the CP/M operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q3317219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3317219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP/M)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mp-m

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for MP/M:

---

## Summary  
MP/M is a multi-user version of the CP/M operating system, developed by Digital Research in 1979. It extended CP/M's capabilities to support concurrent users on Intel 8080, 8085, and Z80-based systems, later expanding to 16-bit processors like the Intel 8086. Designed for business and industrial applications, MP/M was proprietary and command-line driven.

## Key Facts  
- **Inception**: 1979  
- **Developer**: Digital Research, with contributions from Tom Rolander  
- **Based on**: CP/M (1974)  
- **Platforms**: Intel 8080, Intel 8085, Zilog Z80, Intel 8086, Intel 80286  
- **License**: Proprietary  
- **GUI**: Command-line interface  
- **Variants**: Includes MP/M-86 (for 16-bit CPUs) and OS 901 (Croatian variant)  
- **Purpose**: Multi-user support for business computing  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the difference between CP/M and MP/M?  
A: MP/M is a multi-user extension of CP/M, allowing multiple users to access the system concurrently, while CP/M was single-user only. Both shared similar command-line interfaces and hardware compatibility.  

### Q: What processors could run MP/M?  
A: MP/M initially ran on 8-bit processors like the Intel 8080, 8085, and Zilog Z80, later expanding to 16-bit CPUs such as the Intel 8086 and 80286.  

### Q: Was MP/M open source?  
A: No, MP/M was proprietary software developed and licensed by Digital Research.  

## Why It Matters  
MP/M was significant as one of the earliest multi-user operating systems for microcomputers, bridging the gap between single-user CP/M and more advanced systems like Unix. It enabled businesses to share computing resources efficiently, reducing hardware costs. Although overshadowed by later systems, MP/M demonstrated the feasibility of multi-user microcomputing in industrial and office environments, influencing subsequent operating system designs. Its variants, like MP/M-86, also helped transition software to 16-bit architectures.  

## Notable For  
- **First multi-user version of CP/M**, expanding its utility for businesses.  
- **Pioneered microcomputer multi-tasking**, allowing concurrent user sessions.  
- **Supported both 8-bit and 16-bit architectures**, ensuring broad hardware compatibility.  

## Body  
### Development and Release  
- Developed by Digital Research in 1979 as an extension of CP/M.  
- Key contributors included Tom Rolander, a core developer at Digital Research.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Architecture**: Designed for Intel 8080/Z80 and later 16-bit CPUs.  
- **Interface**: Command-line only, with no graphical UI.  
- **License**: Proprietary, requiring purchase from Digital Research.  

### Variants and Legacy  
- **MP/M-86**: Adapted for Intel 8086/80286 processors.  
- **OS 901**: Croatian variant, reflecting localized adaptations.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "MP/M",
  "description": "Multi-user version of the CP/M operating system.",
  "url": "http://www.cpm.z80.de/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1889889",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP/M"
  ],
  "operatingSystem": "Intel 8080, Intel 8085, Zilog Z80, Intel 8086, Intel 80286",
  "softwareVersion": "MP/M-86",
  "license": "proprietary",
  "applicationCategory": "Operating System"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013