Tangerine Computer Systems
British microcomputer company Tangerine Computer Systems was founded in 1979 by Dr. Paul Johnson, Mark Rainer and Nigel Penton Tilbury in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire
The first product was the successful TAN1648 VDU kit which received much acclaim in the technical press.
The home computer market was beginning to move, albeit slowly, and it was essential to establish a presence. Development and expansion was imperative. It was decided that the latter two partners would relinquish their involvement in order to focus on their consultancy work.
The most successful computer they made was the monochrome Microtan 65. This was supplied in kit form, as were several of the early machines, like the ZX80 and ZX81.
The success of the Microtan and the growing market for home computers prompted Tangerine to design a colour home computer. Oric Products International ltd was set up to produce this new computer.A machine was designed - the Tangerine Tiger, but this idea was sold to another company. Microtan 2 with Prestel capability would be the basis for the new Oric.
Barry Muncaster became involved operationally and the company moved to offices in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The company was later renamed, and was known in most of the 1980s as Oric Products International
