[BlueOnyx:27339] Celebrating 25 Years Since Cobalt Networks' IPO

[Taco Scargo]

Dear all,
Celebrating 25 Years Since Cobalt Networks' IPO

It’s hard to believe, but 10 days ago marked the 25th anniversary of Cobalt Networks' IPO—a milestone that forever changed the landscape of server appliances. For those unfamiliar with the name Cobalt in the context of BlueOnyx, let me take you on a brief journey through its remarkable story, shared from the perspective of someone who had the privilege of being part of it as a former Cobalt Networks employee.

The Spark of Innovation

In the late 1990s, Cobalt Networks revolutionized the world of server appliances with their innovative and user-friendly solutions, notably the Cobalt Qube and Cobalt RaQ. These sleek, blue box devices brought web hosting and server management to a broader audience, offering simplicity, reliability, and scalability. For a time, Cobalt was the darling of the dot-com era, its solutions embraced by businesses and hosting providers worldwide. However, the story of Cobalt Networks took a dramatic turn after its acquisition by Sun Microsystems, a move that would ultimately lead to its demise.

The Acquisition by Sun Microsystems

In 2000, at the height of Cobalt's success, Sun Microsystems acquired the company for a staggering $2 billion in stock. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move by Sun to penetrate the server appliance market and compete more effectively in the burgeoning web-hosting industry. However, as history shows, the motivations behind Sun's acquisition went beyond mere competition.

Cobalt's products, with their easy-to-use web-based interfaces and affordability, were beginning to encroach on Sun's own server sales. Rather than leveraging Cobalt's success to grow its market share, Sun quickly shifted focus, ultimately discontinuing the Cobalt product line. The decision left countless users stranded, as the devices became obsolete without official updates or support.

The Open-Source Revolution: Qube and RaQ

While Sun may have sought to erase Cobalt from the market, it underestimated the resilience of the community behind the Qube and RaQ systems. I, along with a determined group of individuals, fought to ensure that the legacy of Cobalt would live on. Our efforts culminated in a significant victory: Sun Microsystems agreed to open-source the software for the Qube and RaQ systems. This pivotal moment set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the history of Cobalt.

The Birth of BlueQuartz

The open-sourcing of the Qube and RaQ software paved the way for the creation of BlueQuartz, an open-source project initiated by my dear friend, Hisao Shibuya. BlueQuartz sought to preserve and enhance the features of the original Cobalt software, offering a lifeline to users who relied on these systems. It provided a modern yet familiar interface, ensuring a seamless transition for businesses and individuals alike.

The Rise of BlueOnyx

As the years passed, BlueQuartz evolved further under the stewardship of Michael Stauber, the brilliant mind behind BlueOnyx and founder of Solarspeed. BlueOnyx expanded on the foundation laid by BlueQuartz, integrating advanced features and modern updates to meet the demands of a rapidly changing hosting landscape. Michael's dedication and vision ensured that the legacy of Cobalt lives on to this day, as BlueOnyx remains a leading solution for web hosting and server management.

A Personal Reflection

As someone who was fortunate enough to be part of the Cobalt Networks team during its heyday, I’ve seen firsthand how the company’s innovations and its indomitable spirit have left a lasting legacy. Today, BlueOnyx stands as a shining example of what can happen when innovation, collaboration, and passion come together.

Let’s celebrate not just 25 years since the IPO, but also the vibrant community and projects that continue to carry the Cobalt torch forward. Here’s to the past, present, and future of Cobalt’s remarkable legacy!

Best regards,

Taco Scargo

taco at blueonyx.nl



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