 The system architecture and instruction-set were largely compatible with the non-privileged instruction-set of the IBM System/360, including use of the EBCDIC character set.While this degree of compatibility made some interchange of programs and data possible, differences in the operating system software precluded transparent movement of programs between the two systems.Competition in the mainframe market was fierce, and in 1971 the company sold the computer division and the Spectra 70 line to Sperry Rand, taking a huge write down in the process.