Lotus 1-2-3, Apple Macintosh, and Netscape web browser–three infamous products that changed the world then missed the boat.
The Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet almost single-handedly turned the IBM PC from a hobbyist’s tinker toy into a serious business tool. The Apple Macintosh introduced the graphical user interface and brought vivid color to a green-screen world. And of course the Netscape browser launched the World Wide Web and instant global communications, ultimately landing you here to read this blog.
Looking back at the revolutions caused by these products, one might expect them to dominate the technology landscape today. Not coincidentally, all three products were derailed in their efforts by the marketing monster known as Microsoft. But in spite of its best efforts with Windows Media Center, Microsoft has little to do with Tivo’s struggle.
Tags: Apple, DirecTV, Hughes, Lotus, Macintosh, Microsoft, Netscape, Tivo