In the annals of technology history, few stories are as compelling as that of NeXT Inc., the company Steve Jobs founded after his departure from Apple in 1985. While NeXT’s commercial success was limited, its profound influence on modern computing is undeniable.
The Genesis of NeXT
In 1985, following internal conflicts at Apple, Steve Jobs resigned and established NeXT Inc. with the vision of creating advanced workstations tailored for higher education and business sectors. He was joined by several former Apple colleagues, including Joanna Hoffman, Bud Tribble, and Susan Kare. Their collective ambition was to develop a computer that was both powerful and accessible, aiming to revolutionize the computing landscape.
Innovative Hardware and Software
NeXT’s inaugural product, the NeXT Computer, was unveiled in 1988. Encased in a distinctive one-foot cubic magnesium case, it earned the nickname the cube. This workstation was powered by the Motorola 68030 processor and featured a unique magneto-optical drive for storage. Despite its innovative design, the NeXT Computer’s high price point limited its market penetration.
On the software front, NeXT developed NeXTSTEP, an operating system that introduced object-oriented programming and a sophisticated graphical user interface. NeXTSTEP’s design principles and frameworks laid the groundwork for future operating systems, influencing the development of macOS and iOS.
The Web’s Inception
One of NeXT’s most significant contributions to technology was its role in the creation of the World Wide Web. In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee developed the first web browser and server on a NeXT Computer at CERN. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the internet era, with NeXT’s technology at its core.
Transition to Software and Apple’s Acquisition
Facing challenges in the hardware market, NeXT shifted its focus solely to software in the early 1990s. This strategic pivot led to the development of OpenStep, a platform-independent version of NeXTSTEP. In 1996, Apple acquired NeXT for $427 million, aiming to integrate NeXT’s advanced software into its own products. This acquisition not only brought Steve Jobs back to Apple but also provided the technological foundation for macOS, revitalizing Apple’s product line and setting the stage for future innovations.
Legacy and Impact
While NeXT’s hardware products did not achieve widespread commercial success, the company’s technological innovations have had a lasting impact. The principles and technologies developed by NeXT continue to influence modern computing, underscoring the company’s role as a catalyst for technological advancement.
