Commodore International
Commodore International was one of the most important companies in computing history, selling more home computers than any other manufacturer.
From Typewriters to Computing Dominance
Founded by Jack Tramiel in 1954, Commodore began as a typewriter repair company before transitioning to calculators and eventually computers. The acquisition of MOS Technology in 1976 gave Commodore the ability to manufacture its own chips, a crucial competitive advantage.
Revolutionary Products
- PET (1977): One of the first complete personal computers
- VIC-20 (1980): First computer to sell one million units
- Commodore 64 (1982): Best-selling computer model of all time
- Amiga (1985): Revolutionary multimedia computer
Market Dominance
At its peak in the 1980s, Commodore commanded over 40% of the home computer market. The C64 alone sold an estimated 17 million units, a record that stands to this day.
Downfall
Despite incredible success, mismanagement in the late 1980s and early 1990s led to bankruptcy in 1994. The company failed to properly market the superior Amiga technology and made strategic errors that allowed IBM-compatibles to dominate.
Legacy
Commodore’s impact on computing is immeasurable. They made computers affordable for ordinary families, creating a generation of programmers and establishing gaming as a major industry.