Adam Osborne

Adam Osborne (March 6, 1939–March 18, 2003) was a British author, book and software publisher, and computer designer who founded several companies in the United States and elsewhere.

Publishing

Osborne was also a pioneer in the computer book field, founding a company in 1972 that specialized in easy-to-read computer manuals. By 1977, Osborne Books had 40 titles in its catalog. In 1979, it was bought by McGraw-Hill.

Related Topics:
1972 - 1977 - 1979 - McGraw-Hill

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In 1984, Osborne founded Paperback Software International Ltd., a company that specialized in inexpensive computer software. Its advertisements featured Osborne himself, arguing that if telephone companies applied the same logic to their pricing as software companies, a telephone would cost $600. One of its products was an inexpensive clone of Lotus 1-2-3, which led to legal action. In 1987, Lotus sued Paperback Software. As a result of the lawsuit, consumer confidence waned for Paperback Software, and its revenues dropped 80% by 1989, preventing the firm from getting venture capital for expansion. In February 1990, the case went to court and on June 28, the court ruled that Paperback Software's product, by copying Lotus 1-2-3's look and menu interface, violated Lotus's copyright. Osborne stepped down from Paperback Software the same year.

Related Topics:
1984 - Paperback Software International Ltd. - Advertisement - Telephone - Lotus 1-2-3 - Legal action - 1987 - Lotus - 1989 - 1990 - June 28 - Copyright

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