Bob Frankston

Bob Frankston
Frankston, Robert M.
Born	June 14, 1949 Brooklyn, New York
Occupation	Software Developer

Career

Bob Frankston is an influential computer programmer, entrepreneur, and visionary whose work has helped shape the software industry and modern computing. Born in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York, Frankston developed an early interest in mathematics and computers. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His years at MIT were formative, exposing him to advanced computing environments like Multics and CTSS and solidifying his commitment to empowering users through software.

Frankston is best known for co-creating VisiCalc, the world’s first electronic spreadsheet, which he developed in collaboration with Dan Bricklin. In the late 1970s, Bricklin had the initial idea for a “visible calculator” that could run on a personal computer. Frankston, already a skilled systems programmer, brought the idea to life by writing the core code that powered the application. Their partnership led to the formation of Software Arts, Inc., with Frankston serving as the principal engineer behind the scenes.

Released in 1979 for the Apple II, VisiCalc revolutionized personal computing. For the first time, business professionals could manipulate data dynamically on-screen—changing one cell and watching the rest of the spreadsheet update instantly. This real-time interactivity was groundbreaking. VisiCalc became the first killer app for personal computers, turning them from curiosities into essential business tools and helping launch the software industry as we know it.

While VisiCalc’s commercial life was relatively short due to rising competition— particularly from Lotus 1-2-3— its legacy endured. Frankston’s contribution was not only technical but philosophical: he demonstrated how powerful, user-centric software could unlock vast new markets and empower individual users in ways previously impossible.

After leaving Software Arts, Frankston worked at Lotus Development Corporation and Microsoft, continuing to advocate for innovation in software development and networked computing. He became increasingly interested in how policy, infrastructure, and technology intersect to shape access to the digital world.

In the 2000s and beyond, Frankston emerged as a strong voice for decentralized and user-controlled technology, particularly in the areas of telecommunications and Internet access. He has been a vocal critic of traditional telecom models, arguing that public policy and innovation are often hampered by outdated business practices and regulatory structures. His writings and talks focus on the need to separate “connectivity” from "services," encouraging a vision where communities and individuals can take control of their own networking infrastructure— a concept he calls “ambient connectivity.”

Frankston maintains a personal website and blog (frankston.com), where he shares essays, papers, and reflections on the future of computing, networking, and society. He is known for his deep technical insight, sharp critique of industry norms, and commitment to democratizing technology.

Among many honors, Bob Frankston was named a Fellow of the Computer History Museum in 2004, recognized “for advancing the spreadsheet and bootstrapping the personal computer software industry.” His work continues to influence discussions not just in software development, but in how we think about access to and ownership of technology in the modern world.

List of major works

VisiCalc

External links