COMPANY·HISTORIES
SIC 7372

Software, Computer: Prepackaged

How the companies in this industry began, and the forces that shaped them.

176companies1909–1996founding years168still active8no longer operating
§ 01

The industry over time

Companies foundedEconomyTechnologyEnvironment
FoundedBowne & Co., Inc.
1909
1913
EconomyThe Federal Reserve is created.
1914
EconomyWorld War I begins; global trade reorders.
1929
EconomyThe stock market crashes; the Great Depression begins.
1933
EconomyNew Deal reforms reshape banking and industry.
1939
EconomyWorld War II begins; wartime production surges.
1945
EconomyThe war ends; a long postwar expansion begins.
1947
TechnologyThe transistor is invented at Bell Labs.
FoundedBBN Corp.
1953
1956
EconomyThe Interstate Highway program remakes commerce.
FoundedVolt Information Sciences Inc.
1957
1958
TechnologyThe integrated circuit is demonstrated.
1962
EnvironmentSilent Spring launches the modern environmental movement.
FoundedCTG, Inc.
1966
FoundedComputer Data Systems, Inc.
1968
FoundedAmdahl Corporation
1970
EnvironmentThe EPA is founded; environmental regulation expands.
1971
EconomyThe dollar leaves the gold standard; Nasdaq opens.
1973
EconomyThe OPEC oil embargo triggers a global shock.
FoundedLearning Tree International Inc.
1974
1975
TechnologyThe personal-computer era begins with the Altair.
FoundedSAS Institute Inc.
1976
FoundedGenRad, Inc.
1978
1979
EconomyA second oil crisis drives inflation higher.
FoundedNovell, Inc.
1980
FoundedHyperion Software Corporation
1981
TechnologyThe IBM PC launches and sets a standard.
FoundedElectronic Arts Inc.
1982
FoundedDialogic Corporation
1983
FoundedBrite Voice Systems, Inc.
1984
TechnologyApple ships the Macintosh; the GUI era begins.
FoundedParametric Technology Corp.
1985
1987
EconomyBlack Monday: markets fall 22% in a single day.
FoundedCabletron Systems, Inc.
1988
FoundedLegent Corporation
1989
FoundedDiscreet Logic Inc.
1991
TechnologyThe World Wide Web is released to the public.
TechnologyLinux and open source begin to challenge proprietary software.
1993
TechnologyThe Mosaic browser brings the web to everyone.
1995
TechnologyWindows 95 launches; the internet goes mainstream.
1997
EconomyThe Asian financial crisis rattles global markets.
EnvironmentThe Kyoto Protocol sets the first climate targets.
1998
TechnologyUS v. Microsoft antitrust trial reshapes software.
2000
EconomyThe dot-com bubble bursts.
2001
EconomyThe September 11 attacks; a recession follows.
2004
TechnologySocial media and Web 2.0 begin to take hold.
2007
TechnologyThe iPhone launches the smartphone era.
2008
EconomyThe global financial crisis freezes credit.
2010
TechnologyCloud computing goes mainstream for business.
2015
EnvironmentThe Paris Agreement sets global climate targets.
2020
EconomyThe COVID-19 pandemic upends the global economy.
2022
EconomyInflation spikes; central banks raise rates sharply.
2023
TechnologyGenerative AI reaches mainstream business use.
§ 02

The companies

Bowne & Co., Inc. →
Active · founded 1909
The world's largest financial printer and one of the oldest companies in the United States, Bowne & Co., Inc.
Bowne & Co., Inc. →
Active · founded 1909
The world's largest financial printer and one of the oldest companies in the United States, Bowne & Co., Inc.
Harris Corporation →
Active · founded 1926
The origin of the Harris Corporation, a leading American electronics company, is actually to be found in the printing…
Harris Corporation →
Active · founded 1926
The origin of the Harris Corporation, a leading American electronics company, is actually to be found in the printing…
Value Line, Inc. →
Active · founded 1931
Value Line, Inc.
Value Line, Inc. →
Active · founded 1931
Value Line, Inc.
Mestek, Inc. →
Active · founded 1946
Mestek, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems for industrial,…
Mestek, Inc. →
Active · founded 1946
Mestek, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems for industrial,…
BBN Corp. →
Active · founded 1953
BBN Corp.
BBN Corp. →
Active · founded 1953
BBN Corp.
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. →
Active · founded 1953
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc., is one of the few publicly traded venture capital firms in the United States.
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. →
Active · founded 1953
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc., is one of the few publicly traded venture capital firms in the United States.
Physio-Control International Corp. →
Active · founded 1955
Physio-Control International Corp.
Physio-Control International Corp. →
Active · founded 1955
Physio-Control International Corp.
Racal-Datacom Inc. →
Active · founded 1955
Racal-Datacom Inc.
Racal-Datacom Inc. →
Active · founded 1955
Racal-Datacom Inc.
Control Data Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1957
Control Data Systems, Inc., (CDSI) provides computer systems integration services to businesses and governments around…
Control Data Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1957
Control Data Systems, Inc., (CDSI) provides computer systems integration services to businesses and governments around…
Volt Information Sciences Inc. →
Active · founded 1957
Volt Information Sciences Inc.
Volt Information Sciences Inc. →
Active · founded 1957
Volt Information Sciences Inc.
Fair, Isaac and Company →
Active · founded 1960
If you have applied for a new credit card, small business loan, car financing, an insurance policy, or a home mortgage,…
Fair, Isaac and Company →
Active · founded 1960
If you have applied for a new credit card, small business loan, car financing, an insurance policy, or a home mortgage,…
Randstad Holding n.v. →
Active · founded 1960 · The Netherlands
Randstad Holding n.v.
Randstad Holding n.v. →
Active · founded 1960 · The Netherlands
Randstad Holding n.v.
The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation →
Active · founded 1963
The world's largest provider of mechanical computer-aided engineering (MCAE), The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation…
The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation →
Active · founded 1963
The world's largest provider of mechanical computer-aided engineering (MCAE), The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation…
Analytic Sciences Corporation →
Active · founded 1966
The Analytic Sciences Corporation (TASC) is a leading provider of applied information technology services.
Analytic Sciences Corporation →
Active · founded 1966
The Analytic Sciences Corporation (TASC) is a leading provider of applied information technology services.
CTG, Inc. →
Active · founded 1966
Computer Task Group Inc.
CTG, Inc. →
Active · founded 1966
Computer Task Group Inc.
Comshare Inc. →
Active · founded 1966
Comshare Inc.
Comshare Inc. →
Active · founded 1966
Comshare Inc.
Boole & Babbage, Inc. →
Active · founded 1967
Boole & Babbage, Inc.
Boole & Babbage, Inc. →
Active · founded 1967
Boole & Babbage, Inc.
Telxon Corporation →
Active · founded 1967
Telxon Corporation is a world leader in the design, manufacture, integration, and marketing of portable and wireless…
Telxon Corporation →
Active · founded 1967
Telxon Corporation is a world leader in the design, manufacture, integration, and marketing of portable and wireless…
Cincom Systems Inc. →
Active · founded 1968 · United States
Cincom Systems, Inc.
Cincom Systems Inc. →
Active · founded 1968 · United States
Cincom Systems, Inc.
Computer Data Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1968
Computer Data Systems, Inc.
Computer Data Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1968
Computer Data Systems, Inc.
Data General Corporation →
Active · founded 1968
Data General Corporation is a manufacturer of multi-user computer systems: minicomputers, workstations, and servers.
Data General Corporation →
Active · founded 1968
Data General Corporation is a manufacturer of multi-user computer systems: minicomputers, workstations, and servers.
Datapoint Corporation →
Active · founded 1968
Datapoint Corporation has a proud history as one of the most innovative American computer companies, and today, despite…
Datapoint Corporation →
Active · founded 1968
Datapoint Corporation has a proud history as one of the most innovative American computer companies, and today, despite…
Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation →
Active · founded 1968
Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation is an industry leader in computer graphics, especially in providing realistic…
Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation →
Active · founded 1968
Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation is an industry leader in computer graphics, especially in providing realistic…
Systems & Computer Technology Corp. →
Active · founded 1968
Systems & Computer Technology Corp.
Systems & Computer Technology Corp. →
Active · founded 1968
Systems & Computer Technology Corp.
Amdahl Corporation →
Active · founded 1970
Amdahl Corporation is a leading manufacturer of large-scale data-processing systems.
Amdahl Corporation →
Active · founded 1970
Amdahl Corporation is a leading manufacturer of large-scale data-processing systems.
American Software Inc. →
Active · founded 1970
Atlanta-based American Software Inc.
American Software Inc. →
Active · founded 1970
Atlanta-based American Software Inc.
Edmark Corporation →
Active · founded 1970
Edmark Corporation is a developer and publisher of educational software and educational print materials for the…
Edmark Corporation →
Active · founded 1970
Edmark Corporation is a developer and publisher of educational software and educational print materials for the…
ASK Group, Inc. →
Active · founded 1972
The ASK Group, Inc.
ASK Group, Inc. →
Active · founded 1972
The ASK Group, Inc.
Computervision Corporation →
Active · founded 1972
Computervision Corporation is a leading supplier of software for use in computer-aided design and computer-aided…
Computervision Corporation →
Active · founded 1972
Computervision Corporation is a leading supplier of software for use in computer-aided design and computer-aided…
Learning Tree International Inc. →
Active · founded 1974
The brisk advancements in information technology have many corporations worldwide scrambling to catch up with…
Learning Tree International Inc. →
Active · founded 1974
The brisk advancements in information technology have many corporations worldwide scrambling to catch up with…
Information Builders, Inc. →
Active · founded 1975
Information Builders, Inc.
Information Builders, Inc. →
Active · founded 1975
Information Builders, Inc.
Caere Corporation →
Active · founded 1976
Caere Corporation is a worldwide leader in the design, production, and distribution of optical character…
Caere Corporation →
Active · founded 1976
Caere Corporation is a worldwide leader in the design, production, and distribution of optical character…
National Instruments Corporation →
Active · founded 1976
National Instruments Corporation is a leading developer of computer-based instrumentation hardware and software…
National Instruments Corporation →
Active · founded 1976
National Instruments Corporation is a leading developer of computer-based instrumentation hardware and software…
SAP AG →
Active · founded 1976 · Germany
SAP AG is the fifth largest independent software producer worldwide and the largest producer of standard…
SAP AG →
Active · founded 1976 · Germany
SAP AG is the fifth largest independent software producer worldwide and the largest producer of standard…
SAS Institute Inc. →
Active · founded 1976
Privately held SAS Institute Inc.
SAS Institute Inc. →
Active · founded 1976
Privately held SAS Institute Inc.
Fujitsu-ICL Systems Inc. →
Active · founded 1977
Fujitsu-ICL Systems Inc.
Fujitsu-ICL Systems Inc. →
Active · founded 1977
Fujitsu-ICL Systems Inc.
Information Resources, Inc. →
Active · founded 1977
Information Resources, Inc.
Information Resources, Inc. →
Active · founded 1977
Information Resources, Inc.
Micros Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1977
Micros Systems, Inc.
Micros Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1977
Micros Systems, Inc.
Baan Company →
Active · founded 1978 · The Netherlands
The Baan Company is one of the world's top producers of enterprise business management and client/server software…
Baan Company →
Active · founded 1978 · The Netherlands
The Baan Company is one of the world's top producers of enterprise business management and client/server software…
GenRad, Inc. →
Active · founded 1978
GenRad, Inc.
GenRad, Inc. →
Active · founded 1978
GenRad, Inc.
The Learning Company Inc. →
Active · founded 1978
The Learning Company Inc.
The Learning Company Inc. →
Active · founded 1978
The Learning Company Inc.
Gartner Group, Inc. →
Active · founded 1979
Gartner Group, Inc., is the leading U.S.
Gartner Group, Inc. →
Active · founded 1979
Gartner Group, Inc., is the leading U.S.
WordPerfect Corporation →
Active · founded 1979
WordPerfect Corporation is the manufacturer of the world's all-time best selling, prepackaged word processing software.
WordPerfect Corporation →
Active · founded 1979
WordPerfect Corporation is the manufacturer of the world's all-time best selling, prepackaged word processing software.
CompuServe Interactive Services, Inc. →
Active · founded 1980
One of the world's leading online information services, CompuServe Interactive Services, Inc.
CompuServe Interactive Services, Inc. →
Active · founded 1980
One of the world's leading online information services, CompuServe Interactive Services, Inc.
Novell, Inc. →
Defunct · founded 1980
Novell, Inc., is one of the largest computer networking firms in the world, offering operating software, network…
Novell, Inc. →
Defunct · founded 1980
Novell, Inc., is one of the largest computer networking firms in the world, offering operating software, network…
Policy Management Systems Corporation →
Active · founded 1980
Policy Management Systems Corporation (PMSC) provides computer software and information services that help…
Policy Management Systems Corporation →
Active · founded 1980
Policy Management Systems Corporation (PMSC) provides computer software and information services that help…
Stratus Computer, Inc. →
Active · founded 1980
Stratus Computer, Inc.
Stratus Computer, Inc. →
Active · founded 1980
Stratus Computer, Inc.
Dassault Systèmes S.A. →
Active · founded 1981 · France
Dassault Systèmes S.A.
Dassault Systèmes S.A. →
Active · founded 1981 · France
Dassault Systèmes S.A.
Hyperion Software Corporation →
Active · founded 1981
Hyperion Software Corporation is one of the world's leading providers of financial software.
Hyperion Software Corporation →
Active · founded 1981
Hyperion Software Corporation is one of the world's leading providers of financial software.
Progress Software Corporation →
Active · founded 1981
Progress Software Corporation is a global supplier of application-development and database software products and…
Progress Software Corporation →
Active · founded 1981
Progress Software Corporation is a global supplier of application-development and database software products and…
System Software Associates, Inc. →
Active · founded 1981
System Software Associates, Inc.
System Software Associates, Inc. →
Active · founded 1981
System Software Associates, Inc.
Autodesk, Inc. →
Active · founded 1982
Autodesk, Inc.
Autodesk, Inc. →
Active · founded 1982
Autodesk, Inc.
Compaq Computer Corporation →
Defunct · founded 1982
Compaq Computer Corporation is the world's largest supplier of personal computers and, as a result of its acquisition…
Compaq Computer Corporation →
Defunct · founded 1982
Compaq Computer Corporation is the world's largest supplier of personal computers and, as a result of its acquisition…
Electronic Arts Inc. →
Active · founded 1982
Electronic Arts Inc.
Electronic Arts Inc. →
Active · founded 1982
Electronic Arts Inc.
Symantec Corporation →
Active · founded 1982
Symantec Corporation is the leading software company providing utility programs for personal computers and is also a…
Symantec Corporation →
Active · founded 1982
Symantec Corporation is the leading software company providing utility programs for personal computers and is also a…
Banyan Systems Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Banyan Systems Inc.
Banyan Systems Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Banyan Systems Inc.
Borland International, Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Borland International, Inc., is the world's third-largest personal computer software company.
Borland International, Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Borland International, Inc., is the world's third-largest personal computer software company.
Cheyenne Software, Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Cheyennes Software, Inc.
Cheyenne Software, Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Cheyennes Software, Inc.
Dialogic Corporation →
Active · founded 1983 · www.dialogic.com
Dialogic Corporation, which has been credited with creating the computer telephony industry, is a world leader in…
Dialogic Corporation →
Active · founded 1983 · www.dialogic.com
Dialogic Corporation, which has been credited with creating the computer telephony industry, is a world leader in…
Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc.
Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc.
Navarre Corporation →
Active · founded 1983
Navarre Corporation is one of the largest independent distributors of compact discs, cassettes, and computer software…
Navarre Corporation →
Active · founded 1983
Navarre Corporation is one of the largest independent distributors of compact discs, cassettes, and computer software…
SilverPlatter Information Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Although not well known to consumers, SilverPlatter Information Inc.
SilverPlatter Information Inc. →
Active · founded 1983
Although not well known to consumers, SilverPlatter Information Inc.
Aldus Corporation →
Active · founded 1984
Aldus Corporation revolutionized the use of personal computers when it introduced its PageMaker program in 1985,…
Aldus Corporation →
Active · founded 1984
Aldus Corporation revolutionized the use of personal computers when it introduced its PageMaker program in 1985,…
Brite Voice Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1984
Serving the fastest-growing market in the world--the telecommunications and information services industry, Brite Voice…
Brite Voice Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1984
Serving the fastest-growing market in the world--the telecommunications and information services industry, Brite Voice…
PictureTel Corp. →
Defunct · founded 1984
PictureTel Corp.
PictureTel Corp. →
Defunct · founded 1984
PictureTel Corp.
Sybase, Inc. →
Active · founded 1984
Sybase, Inc.
Sybase, Inc. →
Active · founded 1984
Sybase, Inc.
Xilinx, Inc. →
Active · founded 1984
Xilinx, Inc.
Xilinx, Inc. →
Active · founded 1984
Xilinx, Inc.
CHIPS and Technologies, Inc. →
Active · founded 1985
Founded in 1985, CHIPS and Technologies, Inc., supplies advanced semiconductor devices to the worldwide personal…
CHIPS and Technologies, Inc. →
Active · founded 1985
Founded in 1985, CHIPS and Technologies, Inc., supplies advanced semiconductor devices to the worldwide personal…
Parametric Technology Corp. →
Active · founded 1985
Less than ten years after introducing its first products, Parametric Technology Corp.
Parametric Technology Corp. →
Active · founded 1985
Less than ten years after introducing its first products, Parametric Technology Corp.
Acclaim Entertainment Inc. →
Active · founded 1986
Acclaim Entertainment Inc.
Acclaim Entertainment Inc. →
Active · founded 1986
Acclaim Entertainment Inc.
FTP Software, Inc. →
Active · founded 1986
FTP Software, Inc.
FTP Software, Inc. →
Active · founded 1986
FTP Software, Inc.
Madge Networks N.V. →
Active · founded 1986 · England
Madge Networks N.V.
Madge Networks N.V. →
Active · founded 1986 · England
Madge Networks N.V.
PLATINUM Technology, Inc. →
Active · founded 1987
PLATINUM Technology, Inc., is one of America's fastest growing software development companies.
PLATINUM Technology, Inc. →
Active · founded 1987
PLATINUM Technology, Inc., is one of America's fastest growing software development companies.
Cabletron Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1988
Cabletron Systems, Inc.
Cabletron Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1988
Cabletron Systems, Inc.
Electronics for Imaging, Inc. →
Active · founded 1988
Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
Electronics for Imaging, Inc. →
Active · founded 1988
Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
Midway Games, Inc. →
Active · founded 1988
Midway Games, Inc., is one of the world's leading producers of video games.
Midway Games, Inc. →
Active · founded 1988
Midway Games, Inc., is one of the world's leading producers of video games.
Triple P N.V. →
Active · founded 1988 · The Netherlands
Triple P N.V.
Triple P N.V. →
Active · founded 1988 · The Netherlands
Triple P N.V.
Ascend Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1989
Ascend Communications, Inc.
Ascend Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1989
Ascend Communications, Inc.
Legent Corporation →
Active · founded 1989
One of the largest software companies in the world, Legent Corporation develops and markets software to facilitate the…
Legent Corporation →
Active · founded 1989
One of the largest software companies in the world, Legent Corporation develops and markets software to facilitate the…
Network Associates, Inc. →
Active · founded 1989
Network Associates, Inc.
Network Associates, Inc. →
Active · founded 1989
Network Associates, Inc.
Dun & Bradstreet Software Services Inc. →
Active · founded 1990
Dun & Bradstreet Software Services Inc.
Dun & Bradstreet Software Services Inc. →
Active · founded 1990
Dun & Bradstreet Software Services Inc.
FORE Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1990
FORE Systems, Inc.
FORE Systems, Inc. →
Active · founded 1990
FORE Systems, Inc.
Business Objects S.A. →
Defunct · founded 1991 · France
France's Business Objects S.A.
Business Objects S.A. →
Defunct · founded 1991 · France
France's Business Objects S.A.
Discreet Logic Inc. →
Active · founded 1991 · Canada
Montreal-based Discreet Logic Inc.
Discreet Logic Inc. →
Active · founded 1991 · Canada
Montreal-based Discreet Logic Inc.
Powerhouse Technologies, Inc. →
Active · founded 1991
Powerhouse Technologies, Inc.
Powerhouse Technologies, Inc. →
Active · founded 1991
Powerhouse Technologies, Inc.
Inso Corporation →
Active · founded 1993
Inso Corporation is a high technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, with three major product areas:…
Inso Corporation →
Active · founded 1993
Inso Corporation is a high technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, with three major product areas:…
Cybermedia, Inc. →
Active · founded 1996
Cybermedia, Inc.
Cybermedia, Inc. →
Active · founded 1996
Cybermedia, Inc.
SABRE Group Holdings, Inc. →
Active · founded 1996
SABRE Group Holdings, Inc.
SABRE Group Holdings, Inc. →
Active · founded 1996
SABRE Group Holdings, Inc.
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