VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet program, was developed in 1979 as a solution to the laborious process of manual financial recalculations. Its creator, Dan Bricklin, transformed the utility of the personal computer by allowing users to change any cell and watch the entire grid update automatically, effectively shortening hours of labor into mere minutes of input.
Academic and Early Career Background
Born in Philadelphia in 1951, Bricklin attended the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy before moving to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and computer science in 1973. Following graduation, he joined Digital Equipment Corporation, contributing to the WPS-8 project. In 1979, he obtained a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University.
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While studying at Harvard Business School, Bricklin partnered with Bob Frankston to create the software that would later be known as VisiCalc. Designed for the Apple II, the program proved critical to the expansion of the personal computer market. Because software patent protections did not exist at the time, the technology could not be patented. Bricklin and Frankston launched Software Arts, Inc. to manage the distribution of VisiCalc and later programs such as TK/Solver.
Software Garden and Later Ventures
Following the acquisition of Software Arts by Lotus in 1985, Bricklin founded Software Garden. This firm produced various tools, including the Demo Program, which allowed developers to prototype applications. In 1990, he co-founded the Slate Corporation, which developed pen-based software. Later, he established Trellix Corporation in 1995, which was eventually sold to Interland. He currently serves as the chief technology officer at Alpha Software.
Professional Recognition
Bricklin has received numerous honors for his contributions to computing. He was awarded the Grace Murray Hopper Award in 1981 and the ACM Software System Award in 1985. In 1994, he was named an ACM Fellow. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2003 and became a Computer History Museum Fellow in 2004.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Philadelphia
- Education: MIT, Harvard University
- Notable Work: VisiCalc
- ACM Fellow: 1994
- Grace Murray Hopper Award: 1981
- Computer History Museum Fellow: 2004
- Current Employer: Alpha Software
Questions readers ask
What is Dan Bricklin's primary contribution to computing?
He is the co-creator of VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet program, which automated financial modeling for home and office users.
Is Dan Bricklin still professionally active?
Yes, he currently serves as the chief technology officer of Alpha Software and continues his work as president of Software Garden.
Achievements
- Notable work: VisiCalc
- Affiliated with Digital Equipment Corporation
- Educated at Harvard Business School, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Worked as computer scientist, entrepreneur and inventor
