By Sushila Nair, Product Manager, BT Counterpane
I recently wrote a piece in celebration of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate. In the midst of wedding celebrations, I felt compelled to write about the glorious unions in the technology world that have changed our lives forever. Of course, now with the wedding celebrations over, and the world going back to normal, my mind has shifted to the biggest break-ups.
So what top technology unions have been ripped apart? My list includes:
- Sybase and Microsoft. Sybase worked with Microsoft to create Microsoft SQL server, but they separated ways and both companies produced their own database products for Windows.
- Floppy disks and data. Remember the days when we saved all of our data on a big floppy? No more. Data has turned to a newer, slimmer, flashier model of data storage with USB devices.
- NetBEUI and Windows. Remember this? NetBEUI was developed by IBM for its LAN Manager product and was adopted by Microsoft for its Windows NT, LAN Manager, and Windows for Workgroups products.
- The Internet and IPv4. This is clearly a case of just running out of space and growing apart. IPv4 is making way for IPv6 now that most addresses have been allocated.
- Privacy and Human Beings. Let’s face it. In this world of social media and the Internet, privacy has left the building. Technology has enabled us to share information with anyone and everyone. It has also made it possible for every email and posting of content, to live online forever.
What have I missed? I’d be interested to see what other readers think as they take a trip down memory lane. Share your list of major technology break-ups in the comment section below.
