IBM didn't want Microsoft to use the Tab key to move between dialog fields
3 hours ago
- #OS/2 History
- #Corporate Culture
- #Keyboard Design
- Cultural mismatch between Microsoft and IBM during OS/2 collaboration, with differing views on bureaucracy and discipline.
- Organizational dispute over using TAB key for dialog box navigation; IBM escalated through multiple management levels.
- Microsoft's final reply referencing Bill Gates's mother ended the discussion, and TAB key was retained.
- IBM's alternative might have involved terminal keys like Field Forward or Backward from mainframe keyboards.
- Anecdote highlights contrasts in decision-making processes and corporate culture between the two companies.