Here is an interesting story on PC software pioneer Gary Kildall
You can read the whole thing here.
The article chronicles the journey of Gary Kildall, a pioneer in the personal computer operating system industry. It begins with Kildall's early life and his academic pursuits, which eventually led him to develop CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers) in 1974. CP/M became the first successful commercial operating system for personal computers, enabling compatibility across different hardware platforms through its BIOS (Basic Input Output System).
Kildall's company, Digital Research Inc. (DRI), thrived in the late 1970s and early 1980s, setting standards in the emerging microcomputer industry. However, DRI faced a setback when IBM chose Microsoft's PC DOS (based on an OS similar to CP/M) for their IBM PC in 1981, despite negotiations with Kildall. This decision significantly impacted DRI's market position, marking the beginning of its decline against the rising dominance of Microsoft.
Despite subsequent innovations, including multitasking and graphical user interfaces ahead of their time, DRI struggled and eventually sold to Novell in 1991. Kildall continued to innovate but tragically passed away in 1996. His contributions were posthumously recognized, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the early personal computer era.
The article emphasizes Kildall's legacy as a visionary whose technical achievements laid crucial foundations for the personal computer revolution, despite the challenges his company faced later on.