[inforoots] Open versus Closed Architecture

[Herbert Kanner]

Re the IBM PC having an open architecture. This is just a medley of 
info that I've heard from other docents.--

IBM was a bit on the fence about going into personal computers. They 
were not sure whether the idea would fly. Hence, their investment in 
the project was to be minimal compared to other projects. Notably, 
this was the only IBM product at the time where major components, 
i.e. CPU and OS were not made in house. So, the 8080 chip could be 
bought by anyone. Also, the DOS license was not exclusive; Microsoft 
was free to sell it to others. I don't know whether this was mandated 
by Microsoft, or whether the price for an exclusive license was more 
than IBM was willing to pay.

I say again, this is just a hearsay collection, and I will be glad to 
see corrections and/or amplifications.

Herb
-- 
Herbert Kanner
kanner at acm.org
650-326-8204

Do not meddle in the affairs of cats,
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