1981- Seattle Computer Products Microsoft MACRO-86- Preliminary Doc (1/2025)
Tags
Microsoft
Description
This is very rare preliminary manual for Microsoft's Macro Assembler purchased from Seattle Computer Products (along with MS-DOS) in 1981- The relationship between Microsoft and Seattle Computer Products (SCP) is a significant chapter in the history of personal computing. Here's a brief overview:
Acquisition
Acquisition Method
EBay
Date
Feb 3, 2025
General Notes
Note
Key Historical Points:
86-DOS Development: Seattle Computer Products developed an operating system called 86-DOS (originally known as QDOS, for Quick and Dirty Operating System) in 1980. This was created to fill the gap left by the delayed release of CP/M-86 from Digital Research
Microsoft's Acquisition: In 1981, Microsoft purchased the rights to 86-DOS from SCP. Microsoft then adapted and rebranded it as MS-DOS, which became the operating system for the IBM PC.
Legal Settlement: In 1986, Microsoft settled a licensing lawsuit with SCP for nearly $1 million2. This settlement ended jury deliberations in a $60 million licensing fraud case
This acquisition and subsequent development of MS-DOS were pivotal in establishing Microsoft's dominance in the personal computer market.
