The Apple-IBM rivalry dates from the beginning of microcomputing in the early 1980s. It was in August 1981 when the IBM PC was launched which started the tech rivalry with Apple with IBM coming into Apple’s market. Apple ran the most amazing playful ad greeting the launch of IBM PC into the personal computer marketplace with the bold text that said, “Welcome, IBM.” The ad was released two weeks after the debut of IBM PC. Today, Apple holds the top position as the most valuable company in the world in terms of market value. On the other hand, no company of the twentieth century achieved greater success and garnered more admiration, respect, fear, and hatred than IBM. Today, IBM is the most popular computer company in the world. The rivalry apart, Apple and IBM are the companies that introduced the two standard microcomputer platforms in widest use today. Let’s see what makes the two technology giants so different.

What is IBM?

International Business Machines, or IBM, is a leading American computer manufacturer and technology company headquartered in Armonk, New York. The company was founded by Thomas J. Watson and it was incorporated in 1911 as a result of the merger between three prosperous companies that made punch-card tabulators. The three companies joined together to form what we know today as IBM. The three companies merged to form the Computing Tabulating Recording Company (CTR). One shortcoming of CTR’s tabulator was that sums standing in the accumulators could not be printed. By the time CTR was able to field a printing tabulator, Mr. Watson had acquired a small cadre of innovative inventors. Finally in 1924, the name of the company was changed to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). From its origins in the punched-card technology, IBM has become the dominant company in the computer industry.

What is an Apple?

Apple is a multi-billion dollar technology company spearheaded by the brilliant leader and innovator, Tim Cook. Founded as a garage start-up by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976, Apple Computer was once the shining glory of the American success story which grew to become the most valuable company in the world. Apple was officially called Apple Computer, Inc. until 2007, when it became Apple Inc. The story of Apple, like the story of one of its founders, Steve Jobs, is full of ups and downs. The company started the personal-computer revolution in 1978 when it created the world’s first all-purpose personal computer, the Apple II. In 1980, Apple’s initial public offering was one of the most highly awaited events in Wall Street history. But over time the company started to fall behind more business-oriented companies like Microsoft and IBM, which took a heavy toll on Steve Jobs as he was forced to leave Apple. He eventually returned to the company in 1996 and through a series of ground-breaking products and innovations, brought the company to where it is today.

Difference between IBM and Apple

History of IBM vs. Apple

– IBM, short for International Business Machines, was founded by Thomas J. Watson and was incorporated in 1911 as a result of the merger between three prosperous companies that made punch-card tabulators. The three companies merged to form the Computing Tabulating Recording Company (CTR), was changed to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) in 1924. Apple Computer was founded as a garage start-up by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976. It was officially called Apple Computer, Inc. until 2007, when it became Apple Inc. Today, Apple is the most valuable company in the word.

Personal Computing for IBM and Apple

– Apple II is one of the first personal computers to kickstart the personal computing revolution, designed primarily by Steve Wozniak. It was one of the first mass-produced microcomputer products, promoted as an extraordinary computer for ordinary people and one of the first computers to feature a color display. IBM PC, on the other hand, was the first commercial personal computer developed by IBM Corporation in 1981. The IBM PC used an Intel 16-bit, 4.77 MHz microprocessor and a disk operating system supplied by Microsoft.

Competitive Advantage of IBM and Apple

– IBM has enjoyed a great deal of success in the business personal computer market, while maintaining a stronghold in cloud computing. However, other companies like Amazon and Microsoft have adapted much faster than IBM and they’re in a better position than IBM in the cloud computing landscape. Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world and the consumer market has always been the Apple’s stronghold. Apple has built a strong ecosystem of products and services which work seamlessly in a highly competitive industry, despite of the high prices. It’s the Apple’s commitment to rigorous quality assurance that makes it the people’s choice in the category.

IBM vs. Apple: Comparison Chart

Summary of IBM vs.  Apple

Both tech giants Apple and IBM are the biggest manufacturers of computer hardware and software, and have ties that dates back to more than 20 years from now. While they may seem like an odd couple, the two technology companies have been working together for quite some time. But the decades-long relationship between IBM and Apple is packed with ups and downs, but the rivalry also marked the beginning of the personal computing revolution – it started with the Apple II and followed by the launch of IBM PC. Despite the rivalry, IBM has maintained stronghold in the cloud computing business, whereas the consumer market has always been Apple’s stronghold.

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