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Building the System/360 Mainframe Nearly Destroyed IBM

(spectrum.ieee.org)
169 points rbanffy | 1 comments | 08 Apr 25 07:30 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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RazorDev ◴[08 Apr 25 18:32 UTC] No.43625040[source]▶
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.
replies(1): >>43627237 #
1. skmurphy ◴[08 Apr 25 22:50 UTC] No.43627237[source]▶
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.