The Computer Museum At System Source

In Part 3 of our series, we uncover the high-stakes gamble that solidified Microsoft’s dominance. When IBM needed an operating system, the industry standard was CP/M, retailing for a steep $400. But Bill Gates had a groundbreaking alternative in mind. ⁠ ⁠
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By acquiring a startup and their "Quick and Dirty Operating System" (86-DOS™), Microsoft was able to offer a solution for just $40. This pioneering move wasn't just about price—it was about a remarkable strategy of volume and ubiquity that would soon put Microsoft software on nearly every desk in the world. ⁠ ⁠
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Listen to Bob Roswell, Museum Founder, as he tells the tale behind this innovation behind the deal of the century. ⁠ ⁠
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📺 Watch Part 3 now! Stay tuned for the final chapter of our 4-part journey through Microsoft’s history.⁠ ⁠
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Experience it firsthand at the museum. Link in bio to plan your tour! 🏛️💻 ⁠ ⁠
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Visit our linkin.bio to schedule a visit⁠ ⁠
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Computer Museum at System Source⁠
🖥️ Vintage Computers, Games & More⁠
📍 338 Clubhouse Rd, Hunt Valley, MD 21031⁠
❤️ 501(c)3 non-profit⁠
📅 Tours & Field trips by appointment only⁠
☎️ (410) 771-5544⁠
🌐 https://museum.syssrc.com/⁠ ⁠
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In Part 2 of our Microsoft series, we move from the hobbyist's garage to the corporate boardroom. While the Altair sparked the revolution, the real battle was for the software that would make these machines universal. ⁠ ⁠
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As IBM prepared to enter the PC market, a legendary disconnect occurred. While competitors focused on selling high-priced hardware, Microsoft saw a pioneering path forward. They moved with remarkable speed, mastering a new business model: The License. By ensuring their software could run on IBM, Apple, and everyone else, they didn't just sell a product—they built an empire.⁠ ⁠
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Witness history come alive as Bob Roswell explains the groundbreaking deal that changed the annals of innovation forever. ⁠ ⁠
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📺 Watch Part 2 now! Missed Part 1? Check out our previous post to see the 'Toy Computer' that started it all.