1991
- 1991- Go Corp. releases PenPoint, an operating system for pen-based computers.
- Advanced Micro Devices announces its AMD 386 microprocessor to compete with Intel's 386 chips.
- Notebook PCs are introduced by most PC vendors.
- HP unveils its RISC-based 9000 Series 700 workstations with exceptional price-performance.
- Compaq leads a group of 21 companies to launch the Advanced Computing Environment (ACE) to establish a new standard for high-end PCs and workstations.
- The Federal Trade Commission launches an investigation into Microsoft's business practices.
- Intel introduces the 486SX, a lower priced 486 chip.
- NCR agrees to be acquired by AT&T in a deal valued at $7.4B.
- Apple releases the System 7.0 operating system for Macintosh.
- Wang will resell IBM's PS/2, RS/6000 and minicomputers. IBM will invest $100M in Wang.
- Microsoft rolls out DOS 5.0 with great success.
- Major changes among PC dealers as ComputerLand acquires Nynex's computer stores, CompuCom acquires Computer Factory, ValCom and Inacomp merge, JWP buys Businessland and Intelligent Electronics acquires BizMart.
- Borland buys Ashton-Tate for $440M.
- SunSoft, a Sun Microsystems subsidiary, announces Solaris which is a UNIX operating system for SPARC workstations and 386/486 PCs.
- The Bell companies receive permission to enter the on-line information services market.
- Apple and IBM sign a historic deal--including two joint ventures: Kaleida will develop multimedia products, Taligent will develop object-oriented operating software.
- Apple rolls out its PowerBook notebook and Quadra Macintosh PCs.
- Wavetracer introduces its Zephyr massively parallel computer system with up to 8192 processors.
- IBM reorganizes itself into more autonomous business units and several divisions become wholly-owned subsidiaries.
- AT&T/NCR agrees to acquire Teradata for $520M.
- Many major computer companies have quarterly or full-year loses including Compaq, DEC, IBM, Lotus and Unisys, primarily due to work force reduction costs.
- The first general purpose pen-based notebook computers are introduced.
- IBM has its first revenue decline in 45 years.