Commodore: The Final Years

The book explores the late 1980s resurgence and ultimate demise of Commodore, featuring interviews with company insiders and tracing the engineering breakthroughs and baffling decisions that led to its downfall.

Format: Hardback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2019
Publisher: Variant Press

Commodore: The Rise and Fall of a Computer Pioneer

In the concluding installment of the Commodore trilogy, this book delves into the remarkable resurgence and subsequent downfall of the iconic computer company. During the late 1980s, a period of immense creativity and innovation emerged within Commodore, driven by a team of talented engineers who embraced emerging CD-ROM technology. These "moonshot" projects marked a pivotal moment for the company, as they sought to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.

The story unfolds through captivating interviews with key figures who played pivotal roles in Commodore's successes and failures. These insiders offer a unique perspective on the company's journey, shedding light on the engineering breakthroughs and baffling decisions that ultimately led to its demise.

Commodore's resurgence in the late 1980s was fueled by a determination to compete with industry giants like Nintendo, Apple, and the onslaught of IBM PC clones. The company's engineers pushed the boundaries of technology, creating innovative products such as the Amiga computer and the CD-ROM drive. However, their ambitious endeavors were not without challenges.

As Commodore faced fierce competition, it struggled to maintain its market share. The company made questionable decisions, such as prioritizing short-term profits over long-term investments in research and development. This led to a decline in quality and a lack of innovation, which ultimately contributed to its downfall.

The book also explores the personal struggles and conflicts within the company, as employees battled to keep the company afloat amidst a changing industry. The rise and fall of Commodore serves as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs and industry leaders, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, innovation, and maintaining a strong focus on customer needs.

In conclusion, "Commodore: The Rise and Fall of a Computer Pioneer" provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the iconic computer company's journey. Through interviews with company insiders and a detailed analysis of its engineering breakthroughs and baffling decisions, the book offers a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by technology companies in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Weight: 910g
Dimension: 235 x 164 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780994031037
Edition number: 2 ed