Computer Quote by Bill Gates
“It's not easy to remember, but IBM was the computer industry when I was growing up. You loved 'em. You hated 'em. You knew what they were doing. They had set a standard for mainframes. They also set a standard for great sales focus and heavy product R & D.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1995 PC Magazine interview with Bill Gates
He reflects on IBM's dominant role in early computing, noting its standards in hardware, sales, and R&D, and the mixed feelings it evoked.
In simple terms: IBM set early standards in computing and sales.
Recognize foundational industry standards.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Studying tech history
- building brand reputation
- strategic R&D
- sales strategy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do early industry standards shape today's tech?
- What can modern companies learn from IBM's sales focus?
IBM's standards were strong but also limited competition and diversity.