The history of computing has been defined by three major eras: mainframe, minicomputer and client-server. Now a fourth wave is emerging–and a chance to create the next tech giants.
In the beginning IBM ruled the world with its giant mainframe computers, hulking beasts that cost a fortune and were a pain to program. Other players formed the BUNCH (for Burroughs, Univac, NCR, Control Data and
Smaller minicomputers cost less than mainframes and were easier to use. Many makers faded: Digital Equipment Corp., Data General, Prime and Wang.
Cheaper still was a client-server setup linking PCs running Windows (clients) to big Unix boxes (servers). Led by Apple, Compaq,
Racks of cheap PC-style servers that run Linux software cut computing costs by 90%. New players:
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