Associazione Archivio Storico Olivetti - Olivetti personal computer "M 24"

The M24 is a personal computer that follows the M20, the project is entrusted to Luigi Mercurio, head of the Distributed Computing Directorate, who relies on the project team in Cupertino, where Giuliano Raviola coordinates the PC Development Operation and Sandro Graciotti leads the PC Systems sector. The new machine emphasizes compatibility with IBM and is presented at the Hannover fair in March 1984. The PC, designed in Ettore Sottsass' studio, has an undisputed technological superiority over its competitors: the designers have managed to offer higher performance and full compatibility with the IBM PC, despite using a different microprocessor (Intel 8086 vs. Intel 8088). The M24 achieves great market success: the machine is competitive in terms of technology and performance, and in addition, compared to the M20, benefits from compatibility with market standards, the greater experience acquired by the sales network, the increased dynamics of European demand, and, above all, the important strategic agreement with the American AT&T. The M24's life cycle lasts almost three years and extends until the end of 1986.