A trillion-dollar industry now wonders what happens next. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that our technology-driven industry often overlooks the roles of individuals. But were it not for the lessons of Patterson and the immense drive of Tom Watson Sr., the computer industry's strange pattern of monopoly vendor leadership might never have emerged. If IBM hadn't been so dominant, Intel and Microsoft probably wouldn't be in the same position today. When this industry tries to understand why things are the way they are, John Patterson and NCR loom as large as anyone.
Monopoly power remains our industry's defining competitive force.
The downturn in the tech economy isn't as gloomy as you might expect. West Coast Bureau Chief Pimm Fox offers a list of 10 positive aspects from the tech wreck. Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Computerworld, Inc. is prohibited.