# OS-9

> Operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q2008085](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2008085)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS-9)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/os-9

## Summary
OS-9 (also known as OS-9000) is an operating system developed by Microware, first introduced in 1979. It's a real-time operating system with the preferred version being 6.1 as of November 14, 2017.

## Key Facts
- OS-9 is also known by aliases including OS-9000, OS9, OS/9, and the Japanese name オーエスナイン
- The preferred version is 6.1 as of November 14, 2017
- It was developed by Microware and first introduced in 1979
- The operating system is available at https://www.microware.com (English version)
- It is classified as an operating system and is written in English
- It has sitelink counts of 183 on Wikipedia and 10 on other sites
- The programming language used is identified by the Wikidata ID Q15777

## FAQs
### Q: What is OS-9 and who developed it?
A: OS-9 is an operating system developed by Microware, first introduced in 1979.

### Q: What is the current version of OS-9?
A: The preferred version is 6.1 as of November 14, 2017.

### Q: What languages does OS-9 support?
A: OS-9 supports multiple languages including German, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Polish, Russian, and Swedish.

## Why It Matters
OS-9 represents a significant development in real-time operating systems, particularly for embedded systems and industrial applications. Developed by Microware, it has maintained relevance through multiple versions, with the preferred version being 6.1 as of 2017. The operating system's longevity and continued development demonstrate its importance in specialized computing environments where reliability and real-time performance are critical. Its impact extends to various industries requiring robust, predictable system behavior, and it continues to serve as a reference for real-time operating system design principles.

## Notable For
- OS-9 is known as one of the first commercial real-time operating systems
- It has maintained development and updates for over four decades
- The operating system is specifically designed for embedded systems and industrial applications
- It features a unique approach to multitasking and resource management
- It has been adapted for various hardware platforms while maintaining core functionality

## Body
### Development and History
OS-9 was developed by Microware and first introduced in 1979. The operating system has evolved through multiple versions, with the preferred version being 6.1 as of November 14, 2017. The development continued through the 1980s and 1990s, with ongoing updates and improvements.

### Technical Characteristics
The operating system is designed as a real-time operating system, optimized for applications requiring predictable response times. It features a unique approach to multitasking and resource management, distinguishing it from many other operating systems of its era. The system supports multiple programming languages and has been adapted for various hardware platforms while maintaining core functionality.

### Usage and Applications
OS-9 has been widely used in embedded systems and industrial control applications where reliability and real-time performance are critical. Its design allows for efficient utilization of system resources, making it suitable for applications ranging from small embedded devices to more complex industrial control systems.

### Language and Localization
The operating system is primarily developed and maintained in English, with documentation and support available in multiple languages including German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Polish, Russian, and Swedish. This multilingual support has contributed to its international adoption and usage.

### Legacy and Impact
Despite being a specialized operating system, OS-9 has maintained a dedicated user base and continued development. Its longevity and continued updates demonstrate its importance in specialized computing environments where traditional general-purpose operating systems may not provide the necessary performance characteristics. The operating system's design principles have influenced subsequent real-time operating system developments.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013