Opus-CBCS

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The Opus Computer Based Conversation System was a Fidonet Bulletin Board system.

Originally developed by Wynn Wagner III and the Not Ready for Mainframe Players Opus was one of the leading BBS systems from its inception in 1987 and for over 15 years following.

Opus was a community effort with Wagner working as the architect and core developer. When anyone offered a suggestion, his response was usually, "Send code." Many sent that code.

At one point, 90%+ of the connected bulletin board system (BBS) were running Opus-CBCS. One release was so anticipated that it brought down the long-line telephone lines into Dallas as eager system operators (SYSOPs) tried to connect and download the new version via phone connection with modem.

Nobody associated with Opus-CBCS made a penny from the software system. Instead, they asked users to donate money to an HIV/AIDS charity in their hometown.

Although the software was serious, the developers were rarely solemn. The first two help sites were located in Dallas Texas USA and in Amsternam Holland. The one in Dallas was called "Opus Info HERE." The site in Europe was dubbed "Opus Info THERE."

It was completely serious software. When an Opus-CBCS system was transmitting files and e-mail to another system, the modem lamp marked "TRANSMIT" stayed on (meaning there was no "dead" time on the line). Non-Opus systems rarely kept the modem busy more than 50% of the time. After the Russian revolution overthrowing the communist government, Wagner was told the his communications software was used because it was the only software that could get data through the clicks and spurts of the phone system in the Soviet Union.

Opus was one of the BBS system featured in The BBS Documentary (DVD, ASIN: B0009NN6EA)