Tech Brew Ride Home (IHP) The Gary Kildall Legend Part 2
Jul 5, 2024
Dive into the intriguing saga of Gary Kildall, the pioneer behind modern operating systems, and why he remains in Bill Gates' shadow. Explore the critical negotiations between Kildall and IBM, revealing a turning point in tech history. Discover how Kildall's innovative spirit clashed with business models, leading to his company’s challenges. Reflect on the fierce 1980s PC race, missed opportunities, and legacy rivalry with Gates. This fascinating recount showcases the complexities that shaped the personal computing landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Missed Meeting
- Bill Gates called Gary Kildall to send IBM representatives to discuss an operating system.
- Kildall was unavailable, leading to a crucial meeting with his wife, Dorothy.
Kildall's Side of the Story
- Gary Kildall's account clarifies he was on a business flight, not leisurely flying.
- He intended to join the IBM meeting later, trusting Dorothy to handle initial discussions.
Licensing Conflict
- IBM's proposed flat fee for CPM clashed with Digital Research's royalty-based model.
- Accepting IBM's offer risked lawsuits from existing clients due to most-favored-nation clauses.
