Siemens (was: Old Computer Companies)

Let me get this timeline straight: Siemens/Zuse: Siemens and Zuse where different companies, and for at least 10 years in constant competition. In 1964 Siemens aquired Zuse KG and incooperated them into their line of control computer division. Some models have been produced, and further developed until the mid/late 70s. These machines never had any influence for comercial computers of Siemens. After the 2002, Siemens switched for IBM compatible machines, and did OEM RCA machines, and developed from there along the 360/370/390 path. Siemens/Nixdorf In 1990 Siemens aquired Nixdorf after the death of Heinz Nixdorf, founder and CEO of Nixdorf AG. Due legal reasons they had to keep it a seperate company (which also fitted the businessplans of that time quite well). Siemens split of their IT division and named the 'merger' Siemens Nixdorf. Merger might be a wrong term, since a lot of people belive it was just made to remove Nixdorf as competition. Well, Nixdorf never realy touched the core business, but has always been a pain in the ass for Siemens. They where 'only' strong in banking networks and POS systems. Nixdorf tried to dance on every wedding, from PCs to Mainframes, and even worse, tried to get a hold on ISDN switches. Not that they outsold Siemens, but wherever a Siemens sales man did show up, Nixdorf was already around. So when the chance opened to remove them from dirturbing business, Siemens willingly payed way much than the company was worth. Siemens/Robotron: Also in 1990 Siemens startet cooperations with Robotron, the East German Computer Manufacturer. Eventualy Siemens bought most of thir factories afterwards. Siemens/Fujitsu: In 2001 Siemens-Nixdorf joined with Fujitsu Europe to reorganize the IT business ... Still a work in progress. Gruss H. P.S.: Check this fine page about Zuses work and company: http://www.epemag.com/zuse/default.htm -- VCF Europa 4.0 am 03./04. Mai 2003 in Muenchen http://www.vcfe.org/