Metaphor Systems is a Xerox PARC spin-off that created an advanced workstation, database gateway, a unique graphical office interface, and software applications that communicate. The Metaphor machine was one of the first commercial workstations to offer a complete hardware/software package and a GUI. The company was acquired by one of its chief customers IBM in 1992. Although it achieved some commercial success, it never achieved the fame of the Macintosh, or somewhat later Microsoft Windows. The company was founded by David Liddle and Don Massaro. The head of engineering was Charles Irby.