Artifact Details

Description

Abstract:
Dan Fylstra, a key player in the creation of the microcomputer software industry, describes his personal background and education. He covers his own blend of technical experience and marketing expertise. He was an editor of Byte magazine and cofounder of the Computer Dealer. He started the first successful software publishing company, Personal Software, which sold Microchess and other products. He then partnered with Software Arts (Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston) to introduce VisiCalc, which arguably became the first killer app, selling tens of thousands of Apple II computers. Fylstra describes the marketing strategy used for VisiCalc and analyzes why it was such a high growth, profitable software product. He also explains some of the problems that later occurred at VisiCorp (the company name that replaced Personal Software), including disagreements with Software Arts. Lastly, he discusses why VisiCalc did not compete effectively with Lotus 1-2-3 and how this, when combined with the negative market reception of VisiOn when it was announced, contributed to the company’s precipitous decline.

Date

2004-05-07

Author

Haigh, Thomas

Publisher

Computer History Museum

Place of Publication

Mountain View, CA, USA

Extent

36 pages

Format

word

Category

Transcription

Credit

Gift of Burt Grad

Lot Number

X9300.2020

Related Records

102805340

Dan Fylstra Oral History