Software Arts: Difference between revisions
Created page with "{{Infobox DEVELOPER |title=Software Arts |image= |address= |country=United States of America |founded=1979 |defunct=1985 |acquiredby=Lotus Development Corp. |labelof= |phone= |fax= |website= }} == History == Software Arts, Inc. was a groundbreaking software company co-founded in 1979 by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston to develop and market VisiCalc, the world’s first electronic spreadsheet. Though short-lived, the company played a transformative role..." Tag: 2017 source edit |
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== History == | == History == | ||
Software Arts, Inc. was a groundbreaking software company co-founded in 1979 by [[Dan Bricklin]] and [[Bob Frankston]] to develop and market [[VisiCalc]], the world’s first electronic spreadsheet. Though short-lived, the company played a transformative role in launching the personal computing era and catalyzing the software industry as we know it. | Software Arts, Inc. was a groundbreaking software company co-founded in 1979 by [[Dan Bricklin]] and [[Bob Frankston]] to develop and market <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i>, the world’s first electronic spreadsheet. Though short-lived, the company played a transformative role in launching the personal computing era and catalyzing the software industry as we know it. | ||
===Origins: A Revolutionary Idea at Harvard Business School=== | ===Origins: A Revolutionary Idea at Harvard Business School=== | ||
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The idea that led to Software Arts began in 1978 when [[Dan Bricklin]], then an MBA student at Harvard Business School, conceived of a “magic blackboard” — a dynamic grid of numbers that would automatically recalculate as data changed. Frustrated by the repetitive task of updating financial models manually, [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] envisioned a tool that could automate this process on a personal computer. | The idea that led to Software Arts began in 1978 when [[Dan Bricklin]], then an MBA student at Harvard Business School, conceived of a “magic blackboard” — a dynamic grid of numbers that would automatically recalculate as data changed. Frustrated by the repetitive task of updating financial models manually, [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] envisioned a tool that could automate this process on a personal computer. | ||
To turn this idea into a working product, [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] turned to his friend and former MIT classmate [[Bob Frankston]], a talented systems programmer. Together, they developed the program that became [[VisiCalc]] (short for “Visible Calculator”) for the Apple II, one of the earliest popular personal computers. | To turn this idea into a working product, [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] turned to his friend and former MIT classmate [[Bob Frankston]], a talented systems programmer. Together, they developed the program that became <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i> (short for “Visible Calculator”) for the Apple II, one of the earliest popular personal computers. | ||
===Founding of Software Arts and Partnership with Personal Software=== | ===Founding of Software Arts and Partnership with Personal Software=== | ||
In January 1979, [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] and [[Bob Frankston|Frankston]] formally established Software Arts, Inc. in Massachusetts to develop and enhance [[VisiCalc]]. While Software Arts focused on product development, they partnered with Personal Software, Inc. (later renamed [[VisiCorp]]) for distribution and marketing. | In January 1979, [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] and [[Bob Frankston|Frankston]] formally established Software Arts, Inc. in Massachusetts to develop and enhance [[VisiCalc]]. While Software Arts focused on product development, they partnered with [[Personal Software|Personal Software, Inc.]] (later renamed [[VisiCorp]]) for distribution and marketing. | ||
This division of labor proved initially effective: when [[VisiCalc]] launched in October 1979, it was an instant success. Users could now create complex financial models and see the results update automatically— a revolutionary leap in productivity. The program was elegant, compact, and accessible, fitting onto a single floppy disk and running smoothly on an Apple II. | This division of labor proved initially effective: when <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i> launched in October 1979, it was an instant success. Users could now create complex financial models and see the results update automatically— a revolutionary leap in productivity. The program was elegant, compact, and accessible, fitting onto a single floppy disk and running smoothly on an Apple II. | ||
===The First Killer App=== | ===The First Killer App=== | ||
[[VisiCalc]] is widely considered the <b>first “killer app”</b>— a software product so compelling that people would buy hardware just to run it. Business professionals, accountants, and analysts flocked to the Apple II to use [[VisiCalc]], and it helped fuel a dramatic rise in the adoption of personal computers in the early 1980s. | <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i> is widely considered the <b>first “killer app”</b>— a software product so compelling that people would buy hardware just to run it. Business professionals, accountants, and analysts flocked to the Apple II to use <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i>, and it helped fuel a dramatic rise in the adoption of personal computers in the early 1980s. | ||
Between 1979 and 1983, Software Arts continued to refine [[VisiCalc]] and port it to other platforms, including the Atari 800, IBM PC, and Commodore PET. They also worked on advanced versions such as VisiCalc Advanced Version (VAV), but faced increasing complexity in maintaining versions across different systems. | Between 1979 and 1983, Software Arts continued to refine <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i> and port it to other platforms, including the Atari 800, IBM PC, and Commodore PET. They also worked on advanced versions such as <i>VisiCalc Advanced Version</i> (VAV), but faced increasing complexity in maintaining versions across different systems. | ||
===Tensions and Trouble with VisiCorp=== | ===Tensions and Trouble with VisiCorp=== | ||
Despite [[VisiCalc]]’s commercial success, the relationship between Software Arts and [[VisiCorp]] became increasingly strained. Disagreements arose over marketing, revenue sharing, and control of the product’s future. [[VisiCorp]], seeing the growing importance of the spreadsheet market, began developing its own rival product, VisiOn, which further soured relations. | Despite <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i>’s commercial success, the relationship between Software Arts and [[VisiCorp]] became increasingly strained. Disagreements arose over marketing, revenue sharing, and control of the product’s future. [[VisiCorp]], seeing the growing importance of the spreadsheet market, began developing its own rival product, <i>VisiOn</i>, which further soured relations. | ||
These internal conflicts, combined with a rapidly evolving market, left Software Arts vulnerable to competition. In 1983, Lotus 1-2-3 launched for the IBM PC. It was faster, more powerful, and offered integrated charting and database functions— features that [[VisiCalc]] lacked. Lotus quickly overtook [[VisiCalc]] as the market leader. | These internal conflicts, combined with a rapidly evolving market, left Software Arts vulnerable to competition. In 1983, <i>Lotus 1-2-3</i> launched for the IBM PC. It was faster, more powerful, and offered integrated charting and database functions— features that <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i> lacked. Lotus quickly overtook <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i> as the market leader. | ||
===Decline and Acquisition=== | ===Decline and Acquisition=== | ||
By 1984, [[VisiCalc]]’s market dominance had collapsed. Software Arts, weakened by internal disputes and slow to innovate beyond its original vision, was unable to recover. In May 1985, Software Arts was sold to [[Lotus Development | By 1984, <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i>’s market dominance had collapsed. Software Arts, weakened by internal disputes and slow to innovate beyond its original vision, was unable to recover. In May 1985, Software Arts was sold to [[Lotus Development Corp.|Lotus Development Corporation]], the very company that had eclipsed its flagship product. | ||
After the acquisition, Software Arts ceased to exist as an independent entity. [[Dan Bricklin]] and [[Bob Frankston]] both moved on to other ventures— [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] founded Software Garden, while [[Bob Frankston|Frankston]] worked for Lotus and later became a noted technology thinker and advocate. | After the acquisition, Software Arts ceased to exist as an independent entity. [[Dan Bricklin]] and [[Bob Frankston]] both moved on to other ventures— [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] founded Software Garden, while [[Bob Frankston|Frankston]] worked for [[Lotus Development Corp.|Lotus]] and later became a noted technology thinker and advocate. | ||
===Legacy=== | ===Legacy=== | ||
Though short-lived, Software Arts left an enduring legacy. It created one of the most important software applications in history and played a critical role in the emergence of the software industry as a driving force in the personal computing revolution. The success of [[VisiCalc]] proved that software could drive hardware sales, paving the way for companies like [[Microsoft]], Lotus, and others. | Though short-lived, Software Arts left an enduring legacy. It created one of the most important software applications in history and played a critical role in the emergence of the software industry as a driving force in the personal computing revolution. The success of <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i> proved that software could drive hardware sales, paving the way for companies like [[Microsoft]], [[Lotus Development Corp.|Lotus]], and others. | ||
In recognition of their contributions, [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] and [[Bob Frankston|Frankston]] were later inducted as Fellows of the Computer History Museum. Today, Software Arts is remembered not just for creating [[VisiCalc]], but for helping to define what software could mean in a world of personal computing. | In recognition of their contributions, [[Dan Bricklin|Bricklin]] and [[Bob Frankston|Frankston]] were later inducted as Fellows of the Computer History Museum. Today, Software Arts is remembered not just for creating <i>[[VisiCalc]]</i>, but for helping to define what software could mean in a world of personal computing. | ||
== Logos == | == Logos == | ||
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<DynamicPageList> | <DynamicPageList> | ||
category = Software | category = Software Arts | ||
namespace = Main | namespace = Main | ||
ordermethod = categorysortkey | ordermethod = categorysortkey | ||
order = ascending | order = ascending | ||
</DynamicPageList> | </DynamicPageList> | ||
== References == | |||
* <i>Software People</i>, [[Software People#Page39|Pages 39]], [[Software People#Page123|123]] | |||
<references /> | |||
Latest revision as of 19:43, August 21, 2025
Software Arts
|
|
| Country | United States of America |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Defunct | 1985 |
| Acquired by | Lotus Development Corp. |
History
Software Arts, Inc. was a groundbreaking software company co-founded in 1979 by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston to develop and market VisiCalc, the world’s first electronic spreadsheet. Though short-lived, the company played a transformative role in launching the personal computing era and catalyzing the software industry as we know it.
Origins: A Revolutionary Idea at Harvard Business School
The idea that led to Software Arts began in 1978 when Dan Bricklin, then an MBA student at Harvard Business School, conceived of a “magic blackboard” — a dynamic grid of numbers that would automatically recalculate as data changed. Frustrated by the repetitive task of updating financial models manually, Bricklin envisioned a tool that could automate this process on a personal computer.
To turn this idea into a working product, Bricklin turned to his friend and former MIT classmate Bob Frankston, a talented systems programmer. Together, they developed the program that became VisiCalc (short for “Visible Calculator”) for the Apple II, one of the earliest popular personal computers.
Founding of Software Arts and Partnership with Personal Software
In January 1979, Bricklin and Frankston formally established Software Arts, Inc. in Massachusetts to develop and enhance VisiCalc. While Software Arts focused on product development, they partnered with Personal Software, Inc. (later renamed VisiCorp) for distribution and marketing.
This division of labor proved initially effective: when VisiCalc launched in October 1979, it was an instant success. Users could now create complex financial models and see the results update automatically— a revolutionary leap in productivity. The program was elegant, compact, and accessible, fitting onto a single floppy disk and running smoothly on an Apple II.
The First Killer App
VisiCalc is widely considered the first “killer app”— a software product so compelling that people would buy hardware just to run it. Business professionals, accountants, and analysts flocked to the Apple II to use VisiCalc, and it helped fuel a dramatic rise in the adoption of personal computers in the early 1980s.
Between 1979 and 1983, Software Arts continued to refine VisiCalc and port it to other platforms, including the Atari 800, IBM PC, and Commodore PET. They also worked on advanced versions such as VisiCalc Advanced Version (VAV), but faced increasing complexity in maintaining versions across different systems.
Tensions and Trouble with VisiCorp
Despite VisiCalc’s commercial success, the relationship between Software Arts and VisiCorp became increasingly strained. Disagreements arose over marketing, revenue sharing, and control of the product’s future. VisiCorp, seeing the growing importance of the spreadsheet market, began developing its own rival product, VisiOn, which further soured relations.
These internal conflicts, combined with a rapidly evolving market, left Software Arts vulnerable to competition. In 1983, Lotus 1-2-3 launched for the IBM PC. It was faster, more powerful, and offered integrated charting and database functions— features that VisiCalc lacked. Lotus quickly overtook VisiCalc as the market leader.
Decline and Acquisition
By 1984, VisiCalc’s market dominance had collapsed. Software Arts, weakened by internal disputes and slow to innovate beyond its original vision, was unable to recover. In May 1985, Software Arts was sold to Lotus Development Corporation, the very company that had eclipsed its flagship product.
After the acquisition, Software Arts ceased to exist as an independent entity. Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston both moved on to other ventures— Bricklin founded Software Garden, while Frankston worked for Lotus and later became a noted technology thinker and advocate.
Legacy
Though short-lived, Software Arts left an enduring legacy. It created one of the most important software applications in history and played a critical role in the emergence of the software industry as a driving force in the personal computing revolution. The success of VisiCalc proved that software could drive hardware sales, paving the way for companies like Microsoft, Lotus, and others.
In recognition of their contributions, Bricklin and Frankston were later inducted as Fellows of the Computer History Museum. Today, Software Arts is remembered not just for creating VisiCalc, but for helping to define what software could mean in a world of personal computing.
Logos
People
Dan Bricklin, Co-Founder
Bob Frankston, Co-Founder
Titles
- VisiCalc (Apple II, 5 1/4" Disk) VisiCorp - 1981 USA, Canada Release
- Category:1981 Software Arts
- VisiCalc (Atari 8-Bit, 5 1/4" Disk) VisiCorp - 1981 USA, Canada Release
- VisiCalc (PC, 5 1/4" Disk) VisiCorp - 1983 USA, Canada Release
- Category:1983 Software Arts
- VisiCalc (Atari 8-Bit, 5 1/4" Disk) Personal Software - 1980 USA, Canada Release
- Category:1980 Software Arts
- VisiCalc (Apple II, 5 1/4" Disk) Personal Software - 1980 USA, Canada Release
References
