And then there was Prestel
Which makes prestel/minitel a case study in the british inability to commercially exploit their inventions.
Both systems used the videotex system invented at the Post Office Research Station at Martlesham Heath in Suffolk.
The French made two key decisions:
1. The value was in the service not the hardware; and
2. The Killer App: The phone book was only available online, but was free. This meant:
a) most people had to learn to use the system
b) they didn't feel ripped off or scared of the cost;
c) represented a substantial cost saving (x million printed phone books x Y years)
Result:
Prestel: 90,000 users
Minitel: 25,000,000 users
EG