Japanese SuperComputer Beats IBM's...and did it on the cheap too!

SUBMAN1 · 07-31-06, 02:09 PM

I guess this about sums it up:

History

MS-DOS began as QDOS (for Quick and Dirty Operating System), written by Tim Paterson for computer manufacturer Seattle Computer Products (SCP) in 1980. It was marketed by SCP as 86-DOS because it was designed to run on the Intel 8086 processor. QDOS function calls were based on the dominant CP/M-80 operating system, written by Digital Research, but it used a different file system. In a sequence of events that would later inspire much folklore, Microsoft negotiated a license for QDOS from SCP in December 1980 for $25,000, then re-licensed QDOS to IBM. Microsoft then acquired all rights to QDOS for only $50,000 from SCP in July, 1981, shortly before the PC's release.

07-31-06, 02:18 PM

OK, SUBMAN1, I am off a bit on the history of DOS, but but don't you agree, that as today, IBM is a dinosaur that can't get out of its own way?

SUBMAN1 · 07-31-06, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waste gate

OK, SUBMAN1, I am off a bit on the history of DOS, but but don't you agree, that as today, IBM is a dinosaur that can't get out of its own way?

IBM has actually been doing good things lately and being a front runner in many areas, so I don't quite agree with you on that one. They have tremendous cash resources and a very talented staff. It is only a matter of time before they retake their crown. Its been going back and forth for a very long time in the Supercomputer biz between IBM and Japan - this is just a normal day. They have practically wiped out their consumer computer lines lately to help streamline the company too - They are turning into a server / research type co., so their days of being a dinosaur are probably over.

-S

07-31-06, 02:38 PM

OK I'll take your word for it.

Back in the 1985-1987 time frame I spent my time selling PC's to business and industry. Everyone wanted the $6000 to $8000 IBM.

That was B4 the PC became the commodity that it is 2day. But I've always thought that IBM missed the boat on the PC explosion.

07-31-06, 02:09 PM	#1
SUBMAN1 Rear Admiral Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 11,866 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I guess this about sums it up: History MS-DOS began as QDOS (for Quick and Dirty Operating System), written by Tim Paterson for computer manufacturer Seattle Computer Products (SCP) in 1980. It was marketed by SCP as 86-DOS because it was designed to run on the Intel 8086 processor. QDOS function calls were based on the dominant CP/M-80 operating system, written by Digital Research, but it used a different file system. In a sequence of events that would later inspire much folklore, Microsoft negotiated a license for QDOS from SCP in December 1980 for $25,000, then re-licensed QDOS to IBM. Microsoft then acquired all rights to QDOS for only $50,000 from SCP in July, 1981, shortly before the PC's release. __________________

07-31-06, 02:38 PM	#4
waste gate Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	OK I'll take your word for it. Back in the 1985-1987 time frame I spent my time selling PC's to business and industry. Everyone wanted the $6000 to $8000 IBM. That was B4 the PC became the commodity that it is 2day. But I've always thought that IBM missed the boat on the PC explosion. Last edited by waste gate; 07-31-06 at 02:48 PM.

07-31-06, 02:18 PM	#2
waste gate Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	OK, SUBMAN1, I am off a bit on the history of DOS, but but don't you agree, that as today, IBM is a dinosaur that can't get out of its own way?