What was the impact of IBM's antitrust lawsuit in the 1970s?

The antitrust lawsuit filed against IBM in the 1970s had a significant impact on the company and the computer industry as a whole. The case was initiated by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in 1969, which accused IBM of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act by monopolizing the computer industry.

The lawsuit lasted for more than a decade, during which IBM had to undergo a series of investigations and legal proceedings. In 1982, after years of legal battles, IBM finally agreed to a settlement with the DOJ. As a part of the settlement, IBM had to adopt several measures to promote competition in the computer industry, such as allowing other manufacturers to create and sell IBM-compatible hardware and software.

The impact of the antitrust lawsuit was significant not only for IBM but also for the computer industry as a whole. The settlement paved the way for other companies to enter the market and compete with IBM, which led to a more diverse and competitive computer industry. It also helped to prevent IBM from engaging in anticompetitive practices and monopolizing the market, which ultimately benefited consumers by providing them with more options and lower prices.