On September 12, 1985, Steve Jobs officially launched his new venture, NeXT, marking the beginning of an ambitious chapter in the tech industry. This move came shortly after Jobs was ousted from Apple, the company he co-founded, following a power struggle with then-CEO John Sculley. The creation of NeXT not only showcased Jobs’ resilience but also positioned him at the forefront of innovation in computer technology.
Jobs assembled a talented team for NeXT, recruiting several former Apple executives, including Rich Page and Bud Tribble. These key players aimed to establish NeXT as a significant contender in the computer hardware market. The company’s focus was on developing high-performance workstations, and its flagship product, the NeXT Computer, debuted in 1988 at a price of $6,500, equivalent to approximately $17,700 today.
The NeXT Computer was notable for its unique cube-like design and the advanced NeXTSTEP operating system, which was based on Unix. This operating system would eventually lay the groundwork for Mac OS X, later known as macOS. The workstation also featured a 17-inch MegaPixel monitor with built-in speakers, powered by a Motorola 68030 CPU and a Motorola 68882 Floating-Point Unit, enhancing its mathematical processing capabilities.
While NeXT’s hardware did not dominate the market, the impact of its software was profound. In December 1996, Apple acquired NeXT for $427 million, bringing Jobs back into the fold. This acquisition was driven largely by the appeal of the NeXTSTEP operating system, which became integral to the development of Apple’s future operating systems.
NeXT also played a crucial role in the early development of the World Wide Web. Tim Berners-Lee famously created the first web server using a NeXT computer while at CERN. Additionally, the gaming industry benefited from NeXT’s technology; id Software, a prominent game developer, invested around $100,000 to outfit its developers with NeXT machines, helping to bring iconic games like Quake and Doom to life.
As NeXT evolved, it introduced the NeXTcube and NeXTstation in September 1990. Although these devices did not achieve widespread commercial success, their legacy endured in the innovations they inspired. Jobs’ vision for NeXT ultimately transformed the computing landscape, paving the way for advancements that continue to influence technology today.
Reflecting on the legacy of NeXT, it is evident that Steve Jobs’ departure from Apple, while initially seen as a setback, cultivated a fertile ground for future innovations. The journey from NeXT to Apple’s resurgence illustrates the transformative power of visionary leadership in technology.
