Why IBM Turned to Microsoft for Basic
6 hours ago
- #IBM-Microsoft
- #BASIC-Interpreter
- #Personal-Computer-History
- Microsoft held a monopoly on BASIC interpreters for personal computers in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with its product running on most popular models.
- IBM approached Microsoft in 1980 for the BASIC interpreter for its IBM PC project due to a tight one-year deadline, as developing its own would be too slow.
- The decision was influenced by Microsoft's established market dominance and reliability, not by personal connections like Bill Gates' mother's ties to IBM.
- IBM's previous attempts at microcomputers, like the DataMaster, faced delays due to internal software decisions, leading the team to seek external vendors.
- Jack Sams of IBM initiated contact with Microsoft after being impressed by the company during meetings, despite initial concerns about its informal reputation.
- Microsoft was contracted to supply not only BASIC but also other software, eventually leading to its role in providing the operating system after CP/M negotiations failed.
- IBM's need for third-party software was driven by antitrust pressures and a desire to quickly enter the personal computer market, where Microsoft was the only viable option for BASIC.