Personal computer (PC) software workshop : VisiCalc
Catalog Number
102658146
Type
Text
Date
2004-05-06
Contributor
Ances, Carol Anne, Editor
Aspray, William, Historian
Bender, Eric, Participant
Bergin, Thomas (Tim), Historian
Bricklin, Daniel, Participant
Bride, Edward, Moderator
Brizdle, Barbara, Participant
Flystra, Dan, Participant
Frankston, Bob, Participant
Koblentz, Evan, Participant
Licklider,, Tracy, Participant
Loftus, Jack, Participant
O'Donald, Louise, Editor
Wasch, Ken, Participant
Publisher
Computer History Museum
Place of Publication
Needham, Massachusetts
Extent
32 p.
Description
The three principals in the development and publishing of VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet, came together for the first time in 20 years for this workshop. Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston of Software Arts start by discussing what influenced them in designing what was to become VisiCalc. Dan Fylstra of Personal Software discusses how he came to believe in the software publishing model. The three of them discuss why the Apple II was selected as the target computer and then talk about the difficulties in dealing with the retail channel of distribution. Finally they talk about the attempts to merge the two companies and what ultimately led to mutual lawsuits.
Category
Transcription
Subject
Bricklin, Dan; Frankston, Bob; Fylstra, Dan; Opdendyck, Terry; Melman, Richard; Kapor, Mitch; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); Harvard Business School; WYSIWYG; VISICALC; Lotus 1-2-3; Apple II (computer); Software Arts; Personal Software (company); VisiCorp; VISION; Wozniak, Stephen Gary, 1950-; ComputerLand; Microsoft Corporation; Royalties; Lawsuits; VisiCalc advanced version; IBM PC; Software business history
