My husband gave me a new edition of Tracy Kidder's 1981 book, The Soul of a New Machine, for Christmas. When I first read it in the mid-80s, it helped me understand technology and the computing industry. The book is still a great read. One thing Kidder discusses is how IBM's failure to recognize market needs, demonstrated by its early decision to initially ignore the potential of minicomputers, provided opportunities for companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Data General to take the industry in new directions.

I was ...