But don't forget that the OSF formed because AT&T & Sun got together and basically told the world that they were in control of Unix; they were going to rewrite it in C++ or some hogwash like that. Since at that time AT&T, the ultra-arrogant owner of Unix, let you talk to their lawyers for a couple of days before they even allowed you to use their restrooms, the rest of the industry saw themselves getting frozen out and formed the OSF in frightened reaction. Unfortunately, however, IBM and DEC got into a "mine is bigger than yours" game and the whole thing turned into a clown show.
That late-80's period was Unix' era of shame...every moronic mistake that possibly could have been made by executive empty suits, was made. It was the final destruction of Unix's chance to become what Windows is today, and all because of executive egos at AT&T, IBM, OSF, DEC and (sorry to say) SUNW.
It is interesting to note that literally every one of the executive players who participated in that fiasco period is gone in one way or another, faded into the obscurity they so very richly deserve, except McNealy, the last man standing. It says something about his skills as a fighter.
Regards,
--QwikSand |
