Open Systems and the European Mainframe Computer Industry in 1990

Describes the unfolding battle between the two rival ‘'open systems’ (or open standards) groups, Unix International and OSF, in the mainframe computer industry in early 1990. It reviews the history of the open systems movement and raises issues about its prospects, emphasising the competitive positions of European mainframe vendors.

To lead to an understanding of how open systems alliances impact on industry restructuring when technologies with network externalities are involved; to explore the following questions: given the dominance of a proprietary systems offering, what are the feasible strategies for the follower firms with smaller proprietary systems; how are open systems alliances created and sustained; how can dominant firms maintain their market position and prevent dramatic industry restructuring?