Compaq vs. IBM: The Battle for the Soul of the PC

This article recounts Compaq's daring challenge to IBM's PC monopoly in the 1980s. CEO Rod Canion's decision to embrace open standards and share technology with competitors—essentially giving away 'the company jewels'—preserved innovation. Canion's leadership fostered a beloved workplace culture and provided the foundation to confront the industry giant. The article explores how a different outcome could have drastically altered the technological landscape we know today.