"There'll be a special place in hell for the tape back-up people"

Adam Osborne's quote is an amusing jab at individuals responsible for supporting data on tapes. In the early days of computing, tapes were the main technique of backing up information, and it was a tiresome and lengthy procedure. Osborne's quote implies that the people accountable for this task were not given the recognition they was worthy of, which they ought to be rewarded for their hard work. He implies that there need to be an unique place in hell for them, as a way of acknowledging their efforts. Osborne's quote is a funny way of expressing his gratitude for individuals who worked hard to ensure that information was supported properly. It is a suggestion that even the most mundane tasks can be essential and should be appreciated.