VisiCalc
From Eli's Software Encyclopedia
VisiCalc | |
| Title | VisiCalc |
| Release date(s) | 1979 |
| Original Platform(s) | |
| Category(s) | |
Overview
VisiCalc was the first spreadsheet software for personal computers and is widely regarded as the application that turned microcomputers from hobbyist devices into essential business tools.
Developed by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston, VisiCalc (short for "Visible Calculator") was released in 1979 for the Apple II. Bricklin conceived the idea while attending Harvard Business School, envisioning a digital version of the large paper spreadsheets used in financial modeling. Frankston handled much of the technical implementation.
History and Impact
- Release: VisiCalc debuted on the Apple II in 1979 and was later ported to other platforms such as the Atari 800, Commodore PET, and IBM PC.
- Developer: Software Arts, founded by Bricklin and Frankston, developed the software, while Personal Software (later renamed VisiCorp) handled marketing and distribution.
- Commercial Breakthrough: VisiCalc was the first widely used "killer app" — a piece of software so valuable that people bought hardware just to use it. It helped drive Apple II sales into the business world, marking a major shift in the personal computing market.
Historical Significance
- Launched the spreadsheet category, paving the way for successors like Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel.
- Catalyst for business adoption of personal computers, proving that software could transform how companies operate.
- Set a precedent for third-party software companies, establishing a viable business model for selling packaged applications independently of hardware vendors.
VisiCalc’s legacy endures not only in its revolutionary interface and utility but also in its profound influence on the commercial software industry and the widespread acceptance of PCs in the workplace.
Releases
- VisiCalc (Apple II, 5 1/4" Disk) VisiCorp - 1981 USA, Canada Release
- VisiCalc (Atari 8-Bit, 5 1/4" Disk) VisiCorp - 1981 USA, Canada Release
- VisiCalc (PC, 5 1/4" Disk) VisiCorp - 1983 USA, Canada Release
- VisiCalc (Atari 8-Bit, 5 1/4" Disk) Personal Software - 1980 USA, Canada Release
- VisiCalc (Apple II, 5 1/4" Disk) Personal Software - 1980 USA, Canada Release
