An Wang

Born in Shanghai, An Wang invented the magnetic memory core, a doughnut-shaped iron ring that served as the standard method for memory retrieval and storage in computers until the advent of the microchip. His company, Wang Laboratories, later pioneered word processors. As a philanthropist, Wang made generous donations to several universities as well as Boston's Performing Arts Center. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and was the holder of 40 patents. Updated 2007