The Rise and Fall of 3M’s Floppy Disk

3M, well-known for making abrasive materials, adhesive tapes, Post-it notes, and N95 masks today, was once a major player in the floppy disk industry. 3M thrived in the world of magnetic data storage by leveraging its experience with mechanical media and manufacturing processes. Despite producing high-quality reel-to-reel tapes and floppies, 3M decided to exit the data storage business in 1996, facing tough competition and low-profit margins in the consumer market. Today, Imation, 3M’s spin-off company, continues to exist as a technology ghost kitchen, while 3M remains a giant corporation with a strong market cap. The legacy of 3M’s computer heyday lives on through its recognizable logo design.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/3m-floppy

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