Building the System/360 Mainframe Nearly Destroyed IBM

Fascinating look at the challenges and risks IBM took on with the System/360. Betting the company on a compatible mainframe family was visionary but nearly disastrous. It's a testament to the importance of strong technical leadership, teamwork and perseverance to bring revolutionary products to market.

It was a business decision driven by Tom Watson Jr. after listening to a lot of customer feedback. See "Father, Son, and Co." https://www.amazon.com/Father-Son-Co-Life-Beyond/dp/05533808... his autobiography of his years at IBM, and beyond. The 360 project figures prominently.