April 2, 1980: Microsoft releases its first {hardware} product, the Z80 SoftCard. A microprocessor card that plugs into the Apple II, it permits the pc to run packages designed for the CP/M working system, a well-liked OS for enterprise software program.
Coming a number of years earlier than the first model of Home windows, the Z80 SoftCard rapidly turns into an enormous hit for Microsoft.
Microsoft, the {hardware} firm?
An easy plug-and-play peripheral for the Apple II, the Z80 SoftCard contained a Zilog Z80 CPU and the required “decoding circuitry” to learn the indicators on the Apple laptop’s bus.
It allowed the Apple II to run way more enterprise software program, most notably the favored phrase processor WordStar, which required a Z80 CPU.
On the time of its introduction, InfoWorld journal referred to the SoftCard as a “fascinating piece of {hardware}.”
“For those who want a light-weight, moveable Z80 laptop, the Apple/SoftCard mixture is an ideal pair,” the publication concluded.
Microsoft Z80 SoftCard is successful
The $349 card (the equal of greater than $1,350 right this moment) was, in some methods, a shock hit for Microsoft. Coming packaged with Microsoft BASIC, it debuted on the West Coast Pc Faire in March 1980, earlier than occurring sale the next month. In its first three months, Microsoft bought 5,000 models — thought of an enormous success on the time.
In truth, the Z80 SoftCard rapidly turned Microsoft’s No. 1 income supply. And it remained the corporate’s most profitable product till Microsoft launched a mouse in 1983.
Microsoft continued its involvement with Apple for the subsequent few years — albeit more and more in software program. By the mid-Nineteen Eighties, Microsoft turned certainly one of Apple’s most beneficial builders. A lot in order that Apple CEO John Sculley signed a dangerous contract to maintain Invoice Gates and Co. hanging round.
After which got here Home windows …
By the top of the Nineteen Eighties, Microsoft achieved nice success with Home windows. The PC working system proved so in style that Microsoft challenged Apple within the market.
Over the subsequent 20 years, Microsoft’s software-based enterprise mannequin dominated the tech business, eclipsing Apple’s own-everything-we-make strategy.
Lately, Microsoft accelerated its {hardware} push with its Floor lineup, producing tabletop computer systems, laptops, hybrid tablets, dual-screen Android units and even touchscreen whiteboards.
