IBM’s first Personal Computer (PC), Model 5150, was released on August 12, 1981, earning the date a special position on the international calendar as IBM PC Day. Without question, this IBM computer revolutionised the business world. It was the first microcomputer in the model line and established the foundation for the IBM PC’s current standards. It was created by a team of designers and engineers led by Don Estridge in Boca Raton, Florida. We are fortunate to live in an era that has significantly benefited from this technological advancement. Continue reading to learn more about IBM’s first PC.
The background of IBM PC Day
It is difficult to fathom life before 1980 without computers. Without computer-based systems, it would be impossible for modern enterprises to function. Before the 1980s, IBM only offered minicomputer-based business computer systems. As a result of the rising profits of competitors in the microcomputer industry, competition on the market increased rapidly for the business. At the time, Apple, Commodore, and Tandy were competitors. Other prominent corporations, such as Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Packard, and Data General, as well as other IBM customers, began to purchase Apple computers. IBM decided to develop its first personal computer (PC) in order to access this expanding market and satisfy customer and business demands.
IBM utilised off-the-shelf components, and the design strategy was kept strictly confidential. In roughly twelve months, the IBM PC Model 5150 was introduced. The price was established in accordance with market competition, beginning at $1,565 with 16kB RAM, no disc drives, and a Colour Graphic Adapter. The microcomputer was a runaway triumph in the market for small businesses and ushered in the era of personal computers. IBM and Microsoft collaborated on the development of their operating system. The IBM personal computer’s use of a Microsoft operating system contributed to Microsoft’s PC market dominance.
IBM PC had a significant impact on the personal computer market. Although other companies introduced microcomputers first, IBM’s significance was unique. Its configuration and specifications became one of the most well-known benchmarks for computer design. In the 1980s, IBM’s only significant competitor was the Apple Macintosh. The majority of modern PCs are distant descendants of the IBM PC.
5 Interesting IBM Facts
The tech behemoth was founded in New York City approximately 100 years ago.
IBM computers supported NASA’s Apollo mission, the first human expedition to the moon.
So far, five IBM employees have won Nobel honours.
IBM provided CPUs for all of the main gaming consoles in use today.
IBM invests approximately $6 billion annually in Research and Development (R&D).
IBM PC DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 12 | Saturday |
| 2024 | August 12 | Monday |
| 2025 | August 12 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August 12 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | August 12 | Thursday |
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