The Pro 350 Personal Computer PA Program

In December 1982, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) began deliveries of its premiere personal computer, the Professional (PRO) 350. Approximately two years earlier, in mid-1980, the development effort was kicked-off with a nucleus of senior technical and management people. Since the PRO 350 was to be DEC's formal entry into the highly competitive personal computer marketplace, the number one goal from the outset was to achieve a high level of product quality/reliability (Q/R). The product assurance (PA) program implemented on the PRO 350 perhaps represents one of the most encompassing and exhaustive in the personal computer industry to date. Although the PRO 350 is a highly sophisticated personal computer for professionals, the key to its Q/R success turned out to be the effective implementation of basic PA principles. This paper describes the PA program which was conducted and how it contributed to the success of the PRO 350 personal computer.