This Will Make You Smile: How a Bold IBM Team Revolutionized Computing with the First Personal Computer

Quick Smiles:

• Forty-five years ago, IBM released its very first personal computer, forever changing how the world works and connects.
• The visionary team dared to break internal rules, sourcing parts and software from outside vendors to create a machine that truly belonged to everyone.
• The decision to embrace open software sparked a wave of innovation that continues to brighten lives today.

Forty-five years ago today, the first IBM PC, one of the early personal computers, was released. The development team broke all the rules within IBM and went to outside vendors for most of the parts and software, acting as an independent business unit.

Praise was directed at IBM’s decision to use ‘open source’ software and architecture, allowing other companies to build compatible machines and software.

The IBM PC Model 5150 debuted on August 12, 1981, with a starting price of $1,565—roughly equivalent to $5,000 today.

The machine featured an Intel 8088 processor running at 4.77 MHz, 16 to 64 KB of RAM, and a choice of storage: cassette tape or 5¼-inch floppy disks.

Its success transformed IBM from a mainframe giant into a household name, while its open design seeded an entire industry of PC clones that made computing affordable and accessible worldwide.

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