Tech Brew Ride Home (Bonus) The Man Who Could Have Been Bill Gates? (Pt. 2)
Jul 7, 2019
Dive into the fascinating story of Gary Kildall, a pivotal figure in personal computing who nearly rivaled Bill Gates. Explore the dramatic miscommunications and trust issues during a key meeting with IBM that altered tech history. Discover Kildall's battles over his innovative CPM software and the rise of Microsoft's QDOS. Delve into the rivalry between Kildall and Tim Patterson, and reflect on the legacy of Kildall, a pioneer whose influence still resonates in today's software landscape.
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Gates' Accommodating Nature
- Bill Gates, prioritizing IBM's needs, sought an operating system for their PC.
- Despite lacking one, he assured IBM he'd find a solution, showcasing his commitment.
The Kildall Meeting
- The story of IBM's meeting with Gary Kildall has become a tech industry Rashomon.
- Conflicting accounts exist about the meeting, particularly regarding Kildall's presence and the nondisclosure agreement.
IBM's Claim
- For years, IBM claimed they never met Kildall, saying they only encountered his wife, Dorothy.
- However, Dorothy was Digital Research's head of business operations, making a meeting with her logical.
