Thomson TO/MO
In 1979, in the workshops of Thomson's factory in Moulins, José Henrard handled electronic circuit board prototypes. This economist and sociologist, a CNRS researcher, discovered computing through his trainer brother's computer. Thomson recruited him with an ambitious mission: to design a French home microcomputer. His vision went beyond a mere technological gadget. He wanted to create a machine that would demystify computing, teach, and communicate.
His prototype integrated a Motorola 6809 8-bit microprocessor, considered among the most powerful of its time. With 8 KB of RAM expandable to 32 KB and a graphical resolution of 320×200 pixels in 8 colors, the TO7 stood out with its light pen included as standard. Users could now interact directly with the screen, whereas most computers still relied solely on a keyboard.
In September 1980, Henrard presented his prototype to Thomson's executives. Their bewilderment was evident when faced with what they perceived as a gadget. Nevertheless, the project received approval. Production began in Moulins. Two years later, Thomson, freshly nationalized under Alain Gomez's leadership, unveiled the first 100 TO7s at SICOB. The specialized press applauded: remarkable graphics quality, acknowledged entertainment dimension, robust Microsoft Basic. The only drawback: the price of 7,000 francs.
The following year was strategic. Thomson created SIMIV (International Society for Microcomputing and Video) to orchestrate its microcomputer policy. Jean Gerothwohl, a former advertising executive and Alain Gomez's fellow student at Sciences Po, took charge. His strategy prioritized education and adopted a long-term approach. Sales took off thanks to bold marketing campaigns: mass-market advertising, targeted promotions, comprehensive press kits.
1984 saw the birth of two new models. The MO5, priced at 2,390 francs, challenged British machines like the Oric or Spectrum. The TO7-70 came equipped with 64 KB of RAM. Thomson secured a decisive contract with UGAP: 40,000 machines over five years for the Ministry of Education. A success that paved the way for a greater ambition.
In January 1985, Laurent Fabius, then Prime Minister, announced the "Computing for All" plan. By seeking to introduce all French students to computing and train 110,000 teachers in one year, the objective bordered on utopian. Thomson was the main supplier with a massive order of 108,400 machines intended to equip 24,000 educational establishments. The Lille-based company Léanord developed the "Nanoréseau," an ingenious system allowing up to 31 Thomson computers to connect to a more powerful master machine.
The TO7-70 revealed its technical innovations. Its RAM reached 48 KB, expandable to 64 KB. It now handled 16 colors versus 8 previously. Its proprietary operating system interfaced with Basic and Logo. The computer multiplied the interfaces: cassette reader for storing programs, cartridge port for software, SCART socket for television, audio interface, game controllers.
A rich software library developed around education, particularly for learning French and mathematics. Business applications arrived with the Colorcalc spreadsheet and the Pique-Fiche database. Colorpeint democratized computer-assisted drawing. Games completed this diversified offering.
However, Thomson struggled against international competition. Export attempts failed, except for some sales in Italy and a contract with Algeria. In 1986, the company launched the TO9, a more powerful model priced at 8,990 francs, but compatibility with previous models posed problems. Users questioned, developers hesitated.
The arrival of low-cost PC compatibles, led by Amstrad, brutally disrupted the market. Thomson abandoned its proprietary standard strategy in 1986 to venture into PC compatibles with the TO16 range. Too late. Sales collapsed: 160,000 machines in 1986, 100,000 in 1987, 60,000 in 1988. The Saint-Pierre-Montlimart factory closed its doors, eliminating 450 jobs.
On January 27, 1989, Thomson announced the definitive end of its microcomputing activity. This decision, made without consultation with users or the Ministry of Education, closed nearly a decade of French industrial adventure. The final withdrawal occurred on January 1st, 1990. Thomson preferred to refocus on consumer electronics and defense.
The legacy of Thomson computers marks the computerization of French society. The "Computing for All" plan enabled the first massive introduction of computing in schools. Their design prioritizing direct interaction via the light pen and the educational dimension testifies to a distinctive vision of personal computing. The bold technical choices, from the 6809 microprocessor to the Nanoréseau, illustrate the innovative capacity of the French industry in the 1980s.
The commercial failure resulted from a national market that was too narrow, the absence of international breakthrough, high prices, and especially the relentless emergence of the PC standard. This adventure nevertheless represents a significant stage in the French computer industry, blending technological ambition, political will for national independence, and democratization of access to computing.