Around 1988, Zero Hari and others, writers working in IBM Japan's planning department, asked I-O DATA DEVICE to commercialize expansion memory for IBM machines. This led to the memory being listed in IBM's dedicated catalog and to a new sales structure, helping drive the standardization of peripherals worldwide before DOS/V. As I-O DATA marks its 50th anniversary, we look back at its historic role.
Around 1988, Zero Hari and his friend H, who worked in IBM Japan's personal computer product planning division, asked I-O DATA DEVICE to produce expansion memory for IBM machines. This was part of an effort to broaden the range of peripherals available as IBM made another attempt to enter the consumer personal computer market.
I-O DATA accepted the request and decided to commercialize the expansion memory. After gaining internal support, the two men's explanation was used as a practical example demonstrating the convenience of overseas software and tools. Ultimately, the company's memory was listed in IBM's dedicated catalog, creating a new system that allowed IBM's sales staff to sell products made by other companies.
This development also helped open the way for IBM machines to incorporate third-party hardware such as sound boards, and subsequently supported the momentum that led to the spread of DOS/V in 1990. It was a modest but important development that helped lay the groundwork for IBM Japan's move toward global standards.
In retrospect, I-O DATA helped break down the barriers surrounding genuine manufacturer products and contributed to establishing a system that supported users in purchasing products with their own funds. The company's 50-year history is marked by this kind of hands-on cooperation and innovation.