I have always wanted to write articles, telling some things that I personally experienced in the past 10 years, and these days.
The great engineers in my mind have contributed to the information. If the reader is almost the same as my age,
That may be more interested in these contents, because they reveal that many software rise and decline in the time
And the reason. Although these things are very far away, I believe that many people are still interested in the story behind.
Even if you haven't experienced that a good memory, you can also read these content as an interesting story.
But I think, more importantly, let us meet some great characters, I personally have many of them.
I admire and I am very envious. Even I am often thinking, if I have their environment, I can also
So this is the same as they? These people have an important contribution to past, and they will still have heavy
The impact is because they have an extraordinary technology. I don't have to collect him for many important characters.
Our photos allow you to know these excellent engineers, outstanding characters.
Of course, if you can learn from these content to failure lessons and successful experience, then this book is more
Value.
Rise of Borland
Remember the university, the first software used on the PC is Sidekick. This is still unable to forget this
The software has also made many people to Jinjin, and Borland is also a well-known soft in Sidekick at the time.
Piece company. However, Borland's first software that lay a business foundation, but my big two TURBO used to pay homework.
Pascal, and Turbo Pascal is also the first interesting story I have heard about Borland.
When Philippe Kahn (founders of Borland) and Anders Hejlsberg were started from the United States, they were manned by Anders.
Write the compiler of Turbo Pascal in assembly language, and Philippe is launched by Turbo Pascal.
section. After the two people have developed Turbo Pascal, they didn't have the money that the advertisements were very fast. Philipp
e
In order to publish Turbo Pascal advertising in BYTE Magazine (Remember this famous magazine?) And Anders Business
A method is a method, that is, people who directly about Byte magazine come to Borland's office to discuss advertisements.
thing.
When Byte's person arrived in Borland, Miss Philippe, Anders and Company's Assistant Miss deliberately busy.
Accept the order of Turbo Pascal and tell the people of the magazine. After a while, Philippe
Just enter the room apologize to Byte, saying that their Turbo Pascal is warmly welcomed by the market, order source
Continuously, there may not need to publish advertising in Byte magazine, then PHILIPPE is displayed to byte
Turbo Pascal This product. Since Turbo Pascal can be resident in very few RAM in the machine at the time
Implementation, but also provides lightning-like compilation speed, which immediately allows people of Byte magazine shocked on the spot. With expertise and
Rich experience, Byte's people immediately know that this will be a revolutionary software, so I hope that Philippe can be able to
Enough to publish Turbo Pascal advertisements in Byte magazine, and willing to publish half a price. Of course, Philippe is also standing
Squaking quickly, so a revolutionary software Turbo Pascal finally published in Byte Magazine.
Turbo Pascal at the current price of $ 49.99 immediately brought a lot of wealth for Borland, Turbo Pascal
It is also a best-selling development tool outside the PC, which officially unveiled the Borland shadow.
The prelude to the history of PC development tools in nearly 20 years. Turbo Pascal is developed by Anders Hejlsberg and talks with Philippe Kahn.
Every sale of Turbo Pascal is sold by Borland, and Anders draws a copyright fee. Due to the software
The price is not cheap, people who can write the compiler are fewer and few, so the compiler engineer can usually be obtained.
Extreme remuneration. So Andrs Hejlsberg was completed in Turbo Pascal, and and philippe
Kahn talked about the conditions of cooperation, Anders gotten it as a set of Turbo Pascal will priced for hundreds of dollars.
Dollar bill, because this is not only the price of the general compiler at that time, and Turbo Pascal also contains a development ring.
Premier and editor, this is not available at the time.
I didn't think of the PHILIPPE KAHN with a commercial mind: if Turbo Pascal is priced in hundreds of beautiful
Gold, then Turbo Pascal may only sell hundreds to thousands of sets and cannot rush out of a lot of sales. therefore,
Philippe kahn
With great courage, Anders Hejlsberg only priced Turbo Pascal is $ 49.95. This price
The grid is simply low for compilers and development tools at the time. When Anders Hejlsberg knows
After the pricing of Philippe Kahn, it quickly fainted. Because in such a low price, Anders
Gold must have a little pitiful, so Anders said he told the best Pascal development tool to let an idiot.
What didn't expected is that Philippe Kahn's pricing strategy has achieved great success. Turbo Pascal takes excellent
Quality and incredible low prices have become the most attractive PASCAL development tool at the time. Of course,
After Turbo Pascal sold unbelievable results, Anders didn't mention him for professional Pascal.
The translation makes idiots to sell this.
Key Products - Sidekick
Although Turbo Pascal quickly made Borland a new star in the world's programmers,
But truly let Borland's general computer use the crowd, rapid growth is the master of the software giant, but
It is the most important product in Borland - Sidekick.
After Turbo Pascal, Borland then launched the Sidekick software. Sidekick can be said to be
The ancestors of the Terminate and Stay Resident-TSR, also borland cross
The development tools are available, so almost all PC users know the key software of Borland. Sidekick at the time
Many rich gadgets and notepad functions make it a tool for every programmer who loves to do. I still remember at the time.
Use Sidekick's ASCII comparison table and calculator's functionality, because in assembly language (askEMBLY)
During the prevalence, consult the ASCII comparison table and the conversion between 2 envelopes, 10-year, and 16-based implementation is a daily
Work must work.
Of course, Sidekick has also become a best-selling software, and sells 100,000 sets in the world, and continue to top Borland.
Software company promotes.
The so-called TSE represents terminate and stay resident. This means that this type of software will be executed
Hidden in a location in memory, but does not appear on the screen. However, the user passed a shortcut key.
You can immediately call this type of software to use the user. After the use, you can press a shortcut to hide again.
it. Such a software operation mode is a new innovation.
From my eyes, Sidekick software is a very critical work for Borland, because I will
Sidekick is classified into "consumer software" products. The so-called consumer software refers to software that can be used by all computer users instead of software that is only for programmers or developers. Anyone will make money or regulations today
Most software companies are largely companies that develop "consumer software". For example, Microsoft except for and Borlan
di
It is the most important thing that Microsoft has two "consumer software": WINDOFT
s
Operating system and office. These two types of software are the most profitable products of Microsoft. Oracle is another very
Good example, the database is almost any software that needs to be used now. Similarly, Sidekick belongs to this
One type of software, because Sidekick can be used by all developers to increase productivity, regardless of developers
What language is used. Therefore, after Borland launches Sidekick, immediately sell in the world,
Follow the most profitable products of Borland after Turbo Pascal. I think Borland is better in the later years.
It's hard, because Borland has never launched a heavyweight like Sidekick.
Products, only products that belong to programmers and developers, this is a very unfortunate thing. "Consumption
Software "is also now I still think Borland should launch the product.
Since Sidekick's TSR technology is unique, and so good, this has caused many times.
The people are curious, and it has become the object of all software vendors imitated, I still remember the computer information books later.
How to learn TSR technology as a selling point. It is also because Sidekick and TSR are too successful, so Borland is standing.
Two work was carried out. First of course, I will immediately develop the next version of Sidekick, let Sidekick continue to be similar
Software's bovine ears to prevent other software companies from launching similar software to eating Sidekick's outstanding world.
Soon, Borland launched Sidekick's subsequent versions, not only more features, but Sidekick from the original
This is completely developer-centered software to transform the consumer software that is suitable for all computer users. Look at
The left picture, from the product cover with the "Desktop Organizer" theme, you can understand that Sidekick is fixed at the time.
Bit. Sure enough, subsequent Sidekick continues to sell, which makes Philippe Kahn very exciting, and let him
Heart Sheng, started to lead the standard of PC software through Sidekick, this is of course Sidekick
Fammed TSR technology.
After Borland successfully succeeded through Turbo Pascal and Sidekick, it has also become most developments due to TSR technology.
Software companies in Jinjin, many software companies have begun to imitate Borland's TSR technology to develop a large number of TSRs.
software. However, when TSR technology is active. Finally, many TSR software conflicts with each other and cannot be
Coordel, this is mainly because many TSR software use the same shortcut to call up / close the software.
Or hide the same memory location. I still remember that when using several TSR software at the same time, you must follow one.
The set of operations can be used normally.
In order to solve this problem, Borland starts to invite software companies, want to develop TSR in Borland.
Standard. As a result, all the software vendors follow the standard formulated by Borland, then all TSR soft
The piece can be run correctly in the PC with each other. When Borland announced this idea and published a preliminary TSR
After the standard specification, it immediately caused tension of Microsoft. Because the TSR is so popular, Microsoft is afraid that the TSR technology will make Borland's overlord of PC software, which will seriously affect Microsof.
t
I want to dominate the PC plan.
Therefore, when Borland is officially established, Microsoft stands out against the TSR defined by Borland.
Standard, and declare that Microsoft will join the support for TSR in the future DOS operating system, so no
The TSR standard will be added to additional. Software companies, including Borland, could not be Microsoft
confrontation. After the operating system vendor shows that the opposition position, Borland's idea is so cusib to the situation.
give up. The dispute on TSR should be regarded as the first war between Borland and Microsoft. Although there is no
It is very fast to returns before the cause of too big bonfire, but it is also the first real hand of Borland and M1crosoft.
hand. It is also because of this contest, let Microsoft surprised the rapid rise of Borland and started
Borland This is a small software company.
Although Microsoft won the victory in the technical dispute between TSR, it is very strange that the TSR software is then
Instead, start slowly. In addition to some minority utility software, there is no use of TSR.
What is the heavyweight software is developed using TSR technology, this is not an additional microsoft incident after being involved.
Technique?
Finally, an interesting story heard from Borland's old workers. Many people always want to know: Borland
Where is the headquarters? Or want to know: Why is Borland selection SCOTT VALLEY as a headquarters? thing
The passage is like this:
In that year, Philippe Kahn and Anders Hejlsberg were ready to start business, due to no funds.
Philippe Kahn works in the Western restaurant, responsible for the work of the tray, and Anders Hejlsberg work hard.
Develop Turbo Pascal.
When Philippe Kahn has a small money, two people began entrepreneurship. First of all, they must find
The headquarters of a company, but where to achieve the ideal of Philippe Kahn and Anders Hejlsberg
? Although they lived at L.a., it is absolutely not enough for a little money in Philippe Kahn.
L.a. Big exhibition, so Philippe Kahn and Anders Hejlsberg decided to go to a relatively remote place
test. So the two deeds have started from the broken car in Philippe Kahn. I heard that when Philippe Kahn
When you drive the car to Scott Valley, there is no gasoline, and it feels not bad at the environment around it.
Expand Philippe Kahn and Anders Hejlsberg's dreations in this place. This is this decision to make the original
This obscure SCOTT VALLEY became a household-known high-tech Shengfang after several years.
And Borland
Turbo Pascal is my favorite, almost all homework is use TURBO.
Pascal is done. Of course, Horowise's Data Structure is also using Turbo Pascal.
After passing, I started this time, I really like Borland, and slowly started to Borlan.
di
With special feelings.
When I am two, Microsoft launched Microsoft Pascal, but it is indeed one for it and turbo pascal.
The gap of the segment, I used it to the trash can. Turbo Basic 1.0 is also launched later. I remember this compiler very good, compilation speed is as fast as Turbo Pascal, is a very
Have future products. But I don't know why it is only 1.0, and then disappears like Microsoft Pascal.
. Later, I heard that Microsoft and Borland exchange conditions, Microsoft did not enter the market of Pascal,
Borland exited the Basic's market. As for if there is anything, I don't know.
I have been in the C language in the second time. The first book is the C language book written by Mr. Wang Xinglong.
This start and the C language has gone. The first C compiler used in the life is Lattice C, I don't know if there is
No readers remember? Use two 5 at the time? Disk is more troublesome to compile the C program.
Later, Borland finally launched the Turbo C compiler of the popular world. From then on, Turbo C became me.
The tool of the body, and Borland also takes the top 10 top software in the top 10 bestsellers in Turbo C.
the company.
After 2 years of soldiers, I used the C language for the first time in China. The first C compiler is ZORTEC.
hide
C / C , this company is later acquired by Symantec to become the core department of Symantec C / C , this story is slightly
Then explain it later. Later, Borland also launched its first C / C compiler Turbo C / C 1.0, but
After ZORTECH C / C , I still think that Zortech C / C is better, so continue to use Zortech.
C / C . After the introduction of Borland's Turbo C / C 2.0 compiler, it gradually became the king of C / C language.
And I also change Zortech C / C to Turbo C / C as I have ever.
When I got to Georgia Institute of Technology, I finally used my own pocket money.
49.99 US dollar purchased a first set of genuine software Turbo C / C 4.5, then purchased Borland
Pascal. In a quarter before graduation, Microsoft launched Microsoft C / C 6.0 and MFC 1.0,
Since the MFC is the first C / C Framework, there is also some money to buy a set of Microsoft C / C
Learn MFC. But after receiving Microsoft C / C , I am very disappointed because Microsoft C / C
6.0 still does not have a Windows graphic integrated development environment or an integrated development environment under DOS. And with mine
In view, MFC 1.0 is not easy to use. Microsoft C / C 6.0 C / C optimization compiler is also
A joke, not only the resulting program code is not good, even generates an error program code. Many IT Magazines
Also known as Microsoft C / C 6.0 is a mediocre product. So I will lose it again.
did not use. Shortly after the launch of Microsoft C / C 6.0, Borland finally released Borland.
C / C 3.0, and this software has also opened the Borland Billy C / C compiler for five or six years. After Borland C / C 3.0, since it has the first graphic integrated development environment in Windows,
And the optimization program code it produces is also MICROSOFT C / C 6.0, so it is very fast.
All C / C programmers have turned to use Borland C / C 3.0. Almost all public procedures at that time
Or ShareWare is developed by Borland C / C , and many hardware manufacturers are also used.
BORLAND C / C 3.0 is written.
In 1992 I got the master's degree in Georgia Institute of Technology, the company most wanted to enter.
It is Borland and Microsoft, but in the end, I decided to go back to Taiwan. At this time, Borland gradually gradually
In the peak period, Borland launched Borland C / C 3.1.
After Borland got an unprecedented victory in Borland C / C 3.0, Borland did not relax, because Borland knows
Dao Borland C / C 3.0 also lacks the most important victory factor, that is, like Microsoft's MFC.
C / C Framework, because Borland also shows that Framework will be the most important in future C / C products.
One ring. However, Borland came to an important crossroad, which is to develop one for himself.
Is the MFC counter Framework still uses Microsoft's MFC? If you want to use MFC, then
Will Microsoft will authorize to borland? If Borland wants to develop Framework yourself, it is bound to
It takes some time, but Borland wants to take advantage of Borland C / C 3.0 as a rain in the rain, in order to completely hit
Battle Microsoft C / C . Therefore, final Borland decided to purchase a set of companies called WHITE WATER.
A Framework developed by this company, this Framework is the source stream of the famous OWL. and
Borland also bought this framework for White Water, and it also introduced a very heavy in the future.
The people you want, that is, later responsible for developing a general of Delphi - Zack Urlocker.
Glorious Battle of C / C
Borland purchased the White Water C / C Framework, it is renamed to OWL (Object Windows
Library, and quickly launched Borland C / C 3.1 with OWL 1.0 as the core. Due to OWL
The MFC 1.0 is packaged more complete and easy to use, and then the Resource Workshop visualization, and
Borland C / C 3.1 The strongest compiler and integrated development environment, so it is very popular in the world.
Its popularity is far more than its previous version Borland C / C 3.0.
Borland C / C 3.1 is sold well, immediately let Borland defeat Microsoft C / C in the C / C market,
The market share has exceeded 50%, which is the world's first C / C products, but also push Borland to the third largest software company in the world.
At the time, the development team I worked immediately with Borland C / C 3.1 to develop the MRP under Windows.
The system, and Borland C / C 3.1 is also one of the most stable C / C versions I have used. Because of that
When you use C / C work all day long, there is some careful. I submitted to it later
The "Run! PC" magazine just established, maybe my luck is good, "run! PC" quickly delivered my text
chapter. After this article published, Taiwan's Borland branch noticed me, start with me, and
And I started the interaction between me and borland. And Borland C / C 3.1 is also the first borland free to send me.
Software, of course, I hope I will write some articles for Borland products.
The Borland also plans to launch the Windows version of Borland Pascal. In Borland Development PASCAL FOR
When Windows, (now still) the most famous Charles Petzold (I see the first Windows
The book is written by this man, I believe many people are also learning to study his book.
In addition to C / C , Borland is not possible to make Borland Pascal capable of performing under Windows. But very clear
Vision, even the Master Charles of the Windows API is wrong, Borland has not only made it, but also
Borland Pascal for Windows is also very popular, of course, Borland Pascal for Windows is also
Later Delphi's foundation.
The borland at that time was said to be unable to sell, not only sell, but also the daily gold. Borland in Scott
Valley luxury headquarters also spent more than 100 million US dollars at that time by Philippe Kahn
(Think about what kind of house can be covered 10 years ago?). However, maybe Borland is too successful,
Therefore, it has also begun to make Philippe Kahn gradually develop a good job, no one's attitude, this is also
Borland started to go to the recession.
In the most powerful period of Borland, of course, when Microsoft hates Borland, there is a
Famous events and a famous virtual person. Since Microsoft's development tool has been playing Borland
The product, so there is an author in Microsoft's development tool publication, constantly laughing with articles.
Borland, this author's pen name is buck forland. Due to this author's article, his pen name
It caused the dissatisfaction of Borland and a strong protest of a large amount of Borland users, and later the author suddenly removed.
Loss. Therefore, many people speculate that this author should be a certain engineer of Microsoft, because it has never been defeated.
Borland's product, irritating, so it will vent it with this name. If the readers are still touching now
I don't have to mind, I don't know why this pen will cause an uproar, then please try to put Buck Foland.
One of the first letters of an English word know why. Do you now smile?
■ After Borland C / C 3.1 is successful, Borland has begun to laverse and began to take a downhill.
Of course, this has many reasons, I know the most important reason: Philippe Kahn and the product manager of Borland C / C have been turned over. The name of the product manager of this Borland C / C is Eugene
WANG, Eugene is a very smart Vietnamese. He took Borland C / C to the world first.
The status, and have a greater idea after Borland C / C 3.1, that is, want to be in the next
The Borland C / C version is completely encapsulated in the OWL package all Windows APL. Because OWL 1.0 is more than
The MFC 1.0 is excellent, but OWL's hidden worry is the APL that has not yet fully encapsulated all Windows. In addition, Eugene
It is also planned to develop a similar to Today, Borland C / C Builder is developed.
Way development tool. Readers think about it, if Borland can develop this C / C development at the time
Tools, will it be a terrible product, later Microsoft Visual C / C 1.0 is only available
The program code that automatically generates the MFC in the integrated development environment immediately sensational C / C market, causing a large number of programmers.
Transfer to the camp of Microsoft. Moreover, even the current Borland C / C Builder, used
Framework is still a component Framework as the core of Object Pascal, not a pure C / C process
Ordered code. If Eugene can make the next version of Borland C / C in his heart, then I think,
In Borland C / C , it is possible or the first C / C development tool in the market.
But unfortunately, Eugene has a fierce dispute later and Philippe Kahn. Under the way, Eugene
Leaving Borland. Philippe Kahn believes that the status of Borland C / C is not shaken, so
Didn't want to immediately develop the next version of Borland C / C . This is a lot of time, greater than 2 years.
The trouble is that Microsoft can waste this 2 years without whitening. Microsoft Visual C / C 1.0
Borland C / C 3.1 was launched two years later and immediately got a favorable market. Visual C / C is not only
The compiler can be equipped with Borland C / C 3.1, which is more greatly leading Borland in integrated development environment.
C / C 3.1, can also automatically generate MFC program code, and no longer is Wu Xia Amon. Until at this time,
Philippe Kahn is in a dream, and is eager to develop the next generation of Borland C / C 4.0. But it is too late.
,
The development tools of C / C have undergone severe changes, and Borland's C / C development tool market will begin gradually.
It is made by Microsoft.
Eugene immediately after leaving Borland, immediately by Symantec, eugene is also very short.
The famous Symantec C / C has been developed for Symantec. Symantec C / C is all skills at the time
The scapement is the best integrated development environment and the most creative C / C development tool, which can be seen in Eugene's skill. However, Symantec C / C will eventually be lost in Microsoft Visual C / C , this story
The reason is described in detail in the "four major C / C compilers" of the "four major C / C compilers". Finally, I heard that Eugene ran.
Do business, and wrote a book that teaches scientific and technicians to interview books in the past few years. I have been very painful. Borland
Losing such a good person. I often think that if Eugene didn't leave Borland, then
History may not now, SIGN! ! !
■ Philippe Kahn has spent more than 400 Million dollar bills, bought Ashton-Tate and DBASE.
At that time, many people criticized Philippe Kahn made a nothing wrongful, because Ashton-Tate is not worth so much money.
But because Borland is more cash, Philippe Kahn is not concerned. But Borland gradually
The main cause of the decline is not here, but after borland bought DBASE, it did not actively develop it.
DBASE for Windows, but throws DBase on one side. The reason why Philippe Kahn will do this is the time.
Other and database related products in Borland is also very good, so Philippe Kahn is not
Urgently develop DBase for Windows. However, Philippe Kahn forgot a thing, that is, the market
DBASE programmers with a lot of users need a good Windows version of DBASE, but philippe
Kahn purchased DBASE but did not provide a Windows version of the solution, so when Microsoft was very small.
The price bought this company, and launched FoxBase for Windows after several years, attracting a lot of original
After the programmer of the DBASE programmer and Paradox, Philippe Kahn was not rushing and hurried.
Develop dBase for Windows. But after DBase for Windows is launched, Microsoft has already pushed
There are two FoxBase for Windows versions, accounting for most of the market, DBASE for Windows.
The potential is no longer for.
■ Microsoft starts to dig angles to Borland. Since Microsoft has been by many developing tools
Borland played the gray face, not to mention Borland C / C 3.1 grab most of the market, so
Microsoft began to prepare to deal with Borland. But due to the technical leader of Borland in the compiler
The domain leads Microsoft for a long time, Microsoft can't catch Borland within a short time, so
Microsoft determines the use of the most effective way to immediately catch up with Borland's technology, that is, directly from Borland.
As a result, 60% of the members of Microsoft's Visual C / C group were digging from Borland, this move
This is not only immediately let Borland lose a lot of excellent technical talents, but also caused Borland accusation after several years.
Microsoft's flap. What is the feeling of reading this reader? But I always feel Microsoft
It is not bright to beat Borland, but use unfair competition.
Philippe Kahn did not only let Borland C / C were defeated by Microsoft Visual C / C , but also lost almost all DBASE markets, and wast a lot of money, lost a lot of outstanding personnel. in
Under these important factors, Borland is inevitably starting to take a downhill.
I saw Philippe Kahn in the last time, at the end of Atlanta, Atlanta, at the end of 1994
When Conference, he also greeted him. Later, Philippe Kahn left Borland, and founded
STARFISH company, STARFISH is also acquired by Motorola. Although Borland due to Philippe
Kahn Some wrong decisions gradually walked down from the peak, but Philippe Kahn is not a person
. Because Philippe Kahn can turn around for a long time, while many companies in the same period
(For example, Lotus) is defeated by Microsoft by one by one, so Philippe Kahn has a set. In addition
Philippe Kahn is also the only Borland CEO with engineer characteristics, Philippe Kahn is still
Pay attention to technical products and technicians. But Borland's subsequent CEO is almost owned by Marketing, FINANCE or
It is a person who is from Sales, which makes me miss the CEO of product and technology as the product and technology.
After reading the history of this man, let us see when Borland is subject to Microsoft Visual.
After the powerful impact of C / C , how to think against it. In this history, I appeared the first one.
Borland Technology Engineer Carl Quinn.
After the launch of Microsoft Visual C / C 1.0, it is immediately ordered to develop a capable and MFC.
The new OWL of phase-resistant, and Carl Quinn is also the soul development of JBUILDER JBCL Framework after several years.
character. Carl Quinn is not only responsible for developing OWL, but also made Borland's technical field in Component Framework.
The important contribution. Due to the investment of Carl Quinn, OWL Wars MFC, Borland C / C
Visual C / C a few years of exciting taste.
Carl quinn is the figure I have remembered and admire, let me pay tribute to him again, and introduce him to make big
House awareness.
Fire line
Borland is in the development of tool market and Microsoft fierce battle, Microsoft and Lotus are also spreading in electronic form.
Take a Word Treatment Tool Market. At this time, Borland did not think about the development of resources to develop new developments.
Tools and Database Tools (later this book will specify the battle of Borland in the database market), not lonely
A large amount of resources have been put into this tragic market. Maybe Borland is too rich, or
Philippe Kahn's head has a problem, but I decided to enter this Borland's strange market, let alone
When Borland puts Lotus, Lotus is now lost, and the Office market has slowly be stepped by Microsoft.
Grip.
Borland enters the first product of the Office market is a famous Quattro Pro spread. Although Quattro
Pro is a quite a good product, and the quattro developed by the Borland C / C compiler
Pro is almost the best in performing efficiency, but Borland did not think that the user using spreadsheets is general
The office staff, these people pay attention to convenience and functionality, rather than performing speed, which is different from developers. Borland develops spreadsheet tools for developers to go wrong. therefore
I remember that during that time, the magazine compared Microsoft Excel, Lotus's 1-2-3 and Borland's
When Quattro PRO, the lead in functionality is Excel and Lotus, leading in performing efficiency.
Excel and Quattro Pro. At the end of the thermal war of spreadsheets, 1-2-3 even more than Quattro Pro,
This Lotus is out of the spreadsheet market is inevitable.
However, although Borland won 1-2-3, but there is still a large distance from Excel, Microsoft
The Table Jiangshan is no longer shaken, so the last Borland after losing a lot of resources, Quattro Pro
Can only be sold to Novell.
In addition to Quattro Pro, Borland has also put a lot of resources to develop a code for Spring.
Word Processor Prepares to compete with Microsoft's Word and WordPerfect, this
Can be many people don't know. But this product still can't ask the city and the fetal dead belly, in the text processing market
Borland not only wasted time, but also throw a lot of resources.
Philippe Kahn consumes a lot of money and time in office products, but it is desirable,
More tired of the development tool market and the most likely successful database product market.
Another story-independent story is about how Microsoft Excel is built. Say when Lotus
1-2-3 The most prosperous period, Microsoft has been in this market, but it is hard to develop a
And products that compete with 1-2-3. One Lotus held a technical seminar for Lotus 1-2-3, by the time
The main engineer of Lotus 1-2-3. Microsoft knew after this technical seminar, immediately dispatched
The best programming designer, on-site asking how Lotus has developed 1-2-3, and took the opportunity to ask this chief project
How to overcome 1-2-3 in many technologies, and these difficulties are the engineers of Microsoft can't
Overcome.
At that time, although the Lotus chief engineer in the scene learned that these people were sent by Microsoft, and asked
The problem is 1-2-3 Many key technical points. But this chief engineer recognizes years of development experience.
It is impossible for Microsoft to catch up with 1-2-3 in the short term, so there is no more important to reserve a lot of important.
problem. These programmers who didn't want Microsoft were also very smart talents. After they finished, they immediately
All of the whole communication, not only the 1-2-3, 1-2-3, but also in many functions, but also
Blue, 1-2-3 gradually lost its advantage. I think the Chief Engineer of this 1-2-3 must regret it at the time.
Key technical problem.
Conclusion: Don't underestimate Microsoft, they are very precise. Never don't look at your competition.
opponent.
Database market error
Borland's period, in fact, it is also the best opportunity to develop database products. Because of the borland hand at the time
Hold DOS Best-selling Paradox, I acquired Ashton-Tate and have most DBASE markets in the world, and obtained
Ashton-Tate's true relational database (RDBMS) - InterBase, can be said to be the world
The boundaries database tools are the most powerful manufacturers.
At that time, Oracle and Borland were more than a small witch, and Sybase didn't know where. If Borland can master this opportunity, try to develop database products, then Borland is not
It is the world's first software company and will be the second software manufacturer of the world. Unfortunately, Philippe Kahn did not see
In the late 1980s, it has grown the fastest product market in the 1990s. Speaking of jokes, if the philippe
Kahn's death, Bill Gates, said, "Information at your finger-tip", point
Wake up the importance of the Philippe Kahn database market, then Borland may be now Oracle.
Speaking of the database market, I have to admire Microsoft's eyes, but I have to admire Microsoft Marketing.
Powerfulness. When Microsoft has a database tool for Windows developers with FoxBase for Windows
After the market, it is learned that the general computer user needs to use a simple and easy database management tool, so
Developed more simple Access. But at the time in a similar market, Borland's Paradox posted developers.
Most of the database, and the general user's database management tool market is approach from Lotus
Prior to the machine.
Microsoft has taken many methods in order to enter the market dominated by Lotus Approach. I still remember
When Visual Basic 3 package, Microsoft attached a coupon, as long as the 800 new Taiwan coin can buy one
Set of Access. This is simply bleeding auction. However, its goal is obvious, that is, defeating more than 10,000 yuan
Lotus approach. Sure enough, Microsoft came out, Approach was played by Access,
I quickly lost the market and quickly quit the market. Since then, the general user's database management tool market is
Access exclusive.
But Borland did not have alert to Access will continue to attack the developer market, so there is still no tightening
Development of PARADOX products. Borland always thinks that the market status of Paradox cannot be easily shaken, and
The ACCESS target market is not a market of Paradox.
But Borland forgot Microsoft is very good at imitation. In the subsequent Access version, Microsoft is not
To join the programmed functionality, therefore gradually attracted some markets of Paradox entry users.
Coupled with FoxPro for Windows and continuously attack the developer database market, Paradox finally in the abdominal
The enemy gradually defeated. Although PHILIPPE KAHN is investigated to Paradox, I hope to save
Disadvantage. When I didn't give me, Paradox was finally struggling. After 2 versions of ParaDox 6 and Paradox 7.
It is difficult to escape the fate of failure.
At that time, when I saw Microsoft how to combat competitors, I joked with my friends, Microsoft has the world.
The invincible three tricks, that is, "I will imitate you (this reminds me of the movie secret customer).
It is more bleeding than you, see who is flowing for a long time (this reminds me of vampire). Finally, if you don't work, you will dig your light.
People (this reminds me of the movie Other People's Money ". Lotus is in the first two of Microsoft.
Fall down, and Borland is still a strong skill, even three tricks, although not like Lotus and many other public
The company is like this bye-bye, but it is also a very injured.
ODBC and IDAPI dispute
When Microsoft gradually defeats the competitor, and has gradually learned the importance of mastering standards after most of the PC database market. In addition, Microsoft's departments of different data between each application
Take it, start the unified standard --odbc of access data. Microsoft's greater purpose is to prepare and aim
The next battle, that is, the market of relational database products on the PC.
Of course, Microsoft wants to enter the Jiangshan, which will be accessed, except for Borland, it won't agree with it.
Microsoft pulls back to a city IBM does not agree. Novell is even more afraid, because Novell is afraid of Microsoft
After work, NetWare will disappear faster. So IBM, Novell and Borland and some other small plants
Gather together, decide to develop a standard interface of an access data to Microsoft confrontation, this formulation
The data access standard is IDAPI. This officially unveiled the prelude of ODBC and IDAPI competition.
However, the combination of IBM, Novell, and Borland will soon be proven to fail, because it is like explanatory,
The development of IBM on PC software has always been three-hearted, repeated. So after the IDAPI 1.0 is available,
IBM's old brother lost the interest of Microsoft confrontation, so Idapi alliance. As for Novell
It's better to say. Novell has always been "talking if you can, really can't play" with Microsoft competition.
Find a group of manufacturers dare to confront Microsoft. Novell's eyes after IBM quit, it is also not going to fight, very
Quickly exit the IDAPI alliance, this phenomenon and later Novell for secret cooperation with Borland
AppWare / AppBuilder plans to make a tiger's tail, grass club.
After two big governments, Philippe Kahn is still not afraid of Microsoft's competition, or
IDAPI 1.0 specification implements the data access engine, this is the BDE / IDAPI and SQL Links we use now.
Predecessor. The functional specification of IdAPI 1.0 is much better than ODBC 1.0. I remember Delphi 1.0 used
BDE / IDAPI and SQL Links drivers are too much more than the ODBC that is slow like turtles at the time. Unfortunately
After IBM and Novell exit, other small plants are also scattered. So Borland can only rely on their own and
Microsoft confrontation. Borland has always confronted the BDE / IDAPI of Delphi 3 with a small amount of resources.
The ground is chased by ODBC, and it is also a sin of the war, and it can only blame Borland's unreliable allies.
Of course, due to the doctors of IBM and Novell, there is a lot of microsoft a longer shortage later.
The opportunity is also disappeared, and finally, she has lost the software market of PC, and no power and
Microsoft counterped.
