Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/01/2009 - 20:27.
Wow, how can you get it right and get it so wrong?
1) Microsoft licensed Q-DOS from Seattle Computer Products, did some work on the OS to get it running on the soon to be released IBM PC and licensed it as MS-DOS to IBM.
2) IBM did not magically invent the PC with lots of initial investment that was almost lost to "dishonest pirates". IBM saw other companies making money selling computers like the Apple II in a market their management originally thought would not be a viable. The IBM PC was a new entrant in an existing market made up of parts and software from second source vendors some of which were pre-existing, i.e. the aforementioned MS-DOS that started as Q-DOS.
IBM tried to crush up and coming competitors who took advantage of the open piece meal design of the IBM PC to create clones/compatibles but fortunately were defeated. The end result being that IBM had no choice but to compete in a free market rather than having a monopoly based on other people's work. A side benefit, computers became inexpensive and affordable to the masses. IBM along with others have made a killing.
Wow, how can you get it right and get it so wrong?
1) Microsoft licensed Q-DOS from Seattle Computer Products, did some work on the OS to get it running on the soon to be released IBM PC and licensed it as MS-DOS to IBM.
2) IBM did not magically invent the PC with lots of initial investment that was almost lost to "dishonest pirates". IBM saw other companies making money selling computers like the Apple II in a market their management originally thought would not be a viable. The IBM PC was a new entrant in an existing market made up of parts and software from second source vendors some of which were pre-existing, i.e. the aforementioned MS-DOS that started as Q-DOS.
IBM tried to crush up and coming competitors who took advantage of the open piece meal design of the IBM PC to create clones/compatibles but fortunately were defeated. The end result being that IBM had no choice but to compete in a free market rather than having a monopoly based on other people's work. A side benefit, computers became inexpensive and affordable to the masses. IBM along with others have made a killing.