Abstract: 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.

VisiCalc Workshop PDF

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