Silicon Cowboys tells the story of Compaq, the start up that challenged IBM in the personal computer market by building portable machines compatible with the IBM standard. It narrates how technical ingenuity, strategic positioning and legal battles allowed a small firm to compete with a dominant incumbent.

Use in class

This documentary is suited to strategy, technology management and competition policy teaching. It exemplifies entry against a powerful incumbent, the role of standards, and the interplay between engineering, marketing and legal strategy when shaping an industry.

Trailer