Cisco vs. DEC: A Tale of Two Approaches

In the 1970s, the debate over open vs. closed systems raged in the computing world. Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) championed proprietary technologies like DECnet, while Cisco Systems emerged as a leader in embracing open standards like TCP/IP. This comparison highlights the contrasting philosophies and their long-term impact.

DECnet: DECnet was a proprietary networking protocol developed by Digital Equipment Corporation. It provided connectivity within DEC’s own ecosystem of hardware and software. This “walled garden” approach, while initially successful, ultimately limited DEC’s growth.  

• Pros:

  • Tightly integrated with DEC hardware and software, offering high performance within the DEC ecosystem.  
  • Provided strong vendor support for DEC customers.

• Cons:

  • Inflexible and incompatible with other vendors’ equipment.
  • Limited interoperability hindered network growth and expansion.
  • Restricted customer choices and limited innovation.

Cisco Systems: Cisco embraced open standards like TCP/IP, allowing for interoperability and compatibility across different vendors’ equipment. This approach fostered a more open and interconnected network environment.

• Pros:

  • Interoperability with a wide range of devices and networks.  
  • Fostered a thriving ecosystem of compatible products and services.
  • Promoted innovation and competition in the networking market.
  • Enabled the growth of the internet as we know it today.

• Cons:

  • Potentially lower initial profit margins due to increased competition.
  • Required continuous adaptation to evolving standards and technologies.

Which was most successful?

Cisco’s embrace of open standards proved to be far more successful in the long run. The rise of the internet and the demand for interconnected systems favored interoperability and flexibility. DEC, despite its initial dominance, struggled to adapt to the changing landscape and eventually declined. Cisco, on the other hand, thrived by embracing open standards and fostering a vibrant ecosystem around its products.

This historical comparison underscores the importance of embracing interoperability and open standards in today’s interconnected world. While proprietary systems can offer certain advantages in specific contexts, the long-term benefits of open systems, such as innovation, competition, and interoperability, are often significant.