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Founded: Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital was founded by Kenneth Olsen and Harlan Ander -
First PDP-1 Sold
Digital’s first computer, the Programmed Data Processor, or PDP-1, was sold in November 1960. The PDP-1 used technology from the developed at MIT (Whirlwind and Lincoln Projects) -
PDP-8 Launch
First mainframe affordable computers making the PDP-8 the first alternative to IBM and the Sperry Rand Corporation -
Digital Equipment Corporation Growth
The company grew from the years 1960-1970 from 117 employees with $1.3 million in revenue to 5,800 workers generating $135 million in sales. -
PDP-11 Launch
First computer system to ship separate data communication paths. This was called UNIBUS, it did not use the central processing unit to move data inside the system. -
European Digital Set-Up
The DEC set up manufacturing in Europe specifically in Ireland -
European Manufacturing (Ireland)
The move to spread business into the European economy paid off when Ireland was admitted to the European Common Market. https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/66/DIGITAL-EQUIPMENT-CORPORATION.html -
DEC Introduces The VAX Computer
This computer is known as one of, if not the best, minicomputer in history. This product gave consumers an option to purchase a low-end or high-end computers. The high-end computers challenged IBMs most powerful mainframes. -
Developing A Version Of UNIX
DEC incorporated a version of UNIX into the VAX computer system. This attracted more attention from Universities, expanding DEC market share. -
Digital Jumps in Sales
From the UNIX move Digital moved up in the ranks to the number two spot in computer sales only trailing IBM. -
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Decline in Profits
From the years 1990-1995 Digital did not make a profit at all. This prompted a Board of Directors meeting ultimately removing Olsen as the top executive and replacing him with Robert Palmer -
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Rescission Hits Digital
Due to the economic recession in the early 1990s Digitals market share declined. The emerging new corporations also started to introduce UNIX making the application more available. -
Introduction of New Product
Despite the profitability problems Digital faced. The company still came out with a new product called the Alpha microprocessor. The chip became known as the fastest in the world. -
Digital Equipment Corporation Downfall
The new Alpha product helped the profitability of Digital. However, the personal computer, minicomputer, and work stations side of the business started to fall apart. -
Bought out by: Compaq Computer Corporation
Digital Equipment Corporation bought out by Compaq Computer Corporation for 9.6 Billion dollars
