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Cyhist Jul 21 1996 B
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Date: Sun, 21 Jul 1996 00:21:09 -0700
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From: Community Memory To: "Multiple recipients of list cpsr-history@cpsr.org" Subject: CM> Origins of word "vaporware," IBM.
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Sender: Lawrence Zeitlin Subject: Re: CM> Origins of word "vaporware."
In the early days of the computer industry, IBM was the main offender. It could
, and did, freeze the market by announcing forthcoming and often undeveloped pr
oducts. In the late 60's I was a consultant to the GE Computer Division in Phoe
nix. Sales of GE's 635 mainframe dried up the moment IBM announced specs for th
e 360 series, a computer which would not be delivered for a year. This type of
behavior was a prime motivator for the Justice Dept. proceedings against IBM. S
ometimes preannouncement is not malicious but just stupid. Osborne Computer com
pany, the makers of the first portable computer (42 lbs.) went into bankrupcy s
hortly after announcing a new model while dealer's shelves were stocked with th
e old stuff. The cash flow dried up and the company ran out of funds before the
new model could be delivered.
______________________________________________________________________
Reply-To: cpsr-history@Sunnyside.COM
Originator: cpsr-history@cpsr.org
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From: Community Memory To: "Multiple recipients of list cpsr-history@cpsr.org" Subject: CM> Origins of word "vaporware," IBM.
X-Listprocessor-Version: 9.1 -- List Server by Sunnyside Computing, Inc.
X-Comment: Discussion of history of computing
X-Info: For listserv info write to listserv@cpsr.org with message HELP
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X-UIDL: 837971719.027
X-Status:
Status: RO
Sender: Lawrence Zeitlin Subject: Re: CM> Origins of word "vaporware."
In the early days of the computer industry, IBM was the main offender. It could
, and did, freeze the market by announcing forthcoming and often undeveloped pr
oducts. In the late 60's I was a consultant to the GE Computer Division in Phoe
nix. Sales of GE's 635 mainframe dried up the moment IBM announced specs for th
e 360 series, a computer which would not be delivered for a year. This type of
behavior was a prime motivator for the Justice Dept. proceedings against IBM. S
ometimes preannouncement is not malicious but just stupid. Osborne Computer com
pany, the makers of the first portable computer (42 lbs.) went into bankrupcy s
hortly after announcing a new model while dealer's shelves were stocked with th
e old stuff. The cash flow dried up and the company ran out of funds before the
new model could be delivered.
______________________________________________________________________
