People like to forget. It helps pretend government research and alliances always produce the best outcomes.

Your example may be a bit too old. Even novell netware, token ring etc won't ring a bell to many people.

Try a simpler one instead: Do you guys remember about the various wireless standards before Wifi?

The Orinocos and the Intel 2011 PCMCIA were IIRC among the first ones of the 802.11b - quickly eclipsing everything else.

Also, what about DECT from about the same period? Some companies (mostly in Europe) tried to make an equivalent of Wifi, but using DECT modems. Some devices even made it to the market!