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(IHP) The Gary Kildall Legend Part 2

Nov 25, 2023
Discover the fascinating story of Gary Kildall, the genius behind the modern operating system. Explore his crucial negotiations with IBM and how miscommunications altered tech history. The rivalry with Bill Gates unfolds as Kildall's innovative spirit meets the rise of Microsoft. Dive into the tension between Kildall's CPM software and PC-DOS, and reflect on the legacy of a man who shaped computing yet remained overshadowed. Unravel pivotal moments that forever changed the tech landscape.
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ANECDOTE

The Mysterious Call

  • Bill Gates called Gary Kildall to inform him about important potential clients.
  • However, due to a confidentiality agreement, Gates couldn't reveal it was IBM.
ANECDOTE

The Meeting

  • IBM's visit to Digital Research is shrouded in conflicting accounts.
  • Some claim IBM met only with Kildall's wife, Dorothy, while others confirm Kildall's presence.
ANECDOTE

The NDA

  • Dorothy Kildall, head of business operations, initially refused to sign IBM's NDA.
  • Conflicting accounts exist on whether the NDA was eventually signed.
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