Altos Computer Systems

<p>Altos Computer Systems was founded in 1977 by David G. Jackson and Roger William Vass Sr. It focused on small multi-user computers, starting with multi-user derivatives of <a href="/facts/CP%2fM/n5rTgXdC">CP/M</a>, and later including <a href="/facts/Unix/0pNL2seI">Unix</a> and <a href="/facts/Xenix/G8sH08Tp">Xenix</a>-based machines. In its 1982 <a href="/facts/Initial_public_offering/2NntDhrG">initial public offering</a> on <a href="/facts/NASDAQ/C6GlcQcB">NASDAQ</a>, the company raised $59M. Thereafter the company's stock was traded under the symbol ALTO.
</p><p>Coming under increasing pressure from competitors in the server market, such as <a href="/facts/Compaq/6LuhWTE7">Compaq</a> and <a href="/facts/Sun_Microsystems/VJ9EzEFd">Sun Microsystems</a>, Altos posted a $5M loss (its first ever) in the <a href="/facts/Fiscal_year/qcR3PIXe">fiscal year</a> ending in June, 1989. In the aftermath, Altos was acquired by <a href="/facts/Acer_Inc./HQ3INX1c">Acer</a> in 1990 for $94M, although mostly for its US distribution channels rather than its technology. Shortly before this acquisition, there were about 128,000 Altos systems installed throughout the world.
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Altos Computer Systems open-in-new

Altos Computer Systems