Bob Frankston Quotes

Software Developer
USA
1949

Bob Frankston is an American computer scientist and software developer, best known for co-creating the popular spreadsheet program, VisiCalc, in the late 1970s. He has also made significant contributions to the development of the internet and is a vocal advocate for open access to technology. Frankston has written numerous articles and given talks on the importance of open systems and the need for a more decentralized internet. He continues to be a prominent figure in the tech industry, advocating for consumer rights and innovation.Read Less

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- Bob Frankston

Software Developer

· USA

Bob Frankston Career Highlights

In 1979, Bob Frankston, along with Dan Bricklin, created VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet software for personal computers. This revolutionary software changed the way businesses and individuals managed their data and calculations.
In 1981, VisiCalc became the best-selling software for the Apple II computer, making Bob Frankston a household name in the world of personal computing.
In 1985, Frankston co-founded Software Arts Inc., the company that developed VisiCalc, and served as its Vice President until 1987.
In 1990, he joined Microsoft as a software design engineer and played a key role in the development of Microsoft Excel, the successor to VisiCalc.
In 1992, Frankston co-founded Software Garden Inc., a company that focused on developing software for the internet and home networking.
In 1998, he co-authored the book “The Invisible Computer: Why Good Products Can Fail, the Personal Computer Is So Complex, and Information Appliances Are the Solution” with David Pogue, which explored the concept of information appliances and their potential impact on personal computing.
In 2000, Frankston was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his contribution to the development of electronic spreadsheets.
In 2006, he was awarded the IEEE Internet Award for his pioneering work in the development of the internet.
In 2013, Frankston was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame for his contributions to the development and evolution of the internet.

Key Contributions by Bob Frankston

Bob Frankston’s most significant contribution to the field of computer science is the creation of VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet software. This software revolutionized the way businesses and individuals managed their data and calculations, and paved the way for the development of modern spreadsheet software.
Frankston’s work at Microsoft was instrumental in the development of Microsoft Excel, which became the most widely used spreadsheet software in the world.
He has been a vocal advocate for open standards and an open internet, and has made significant contributions to the development of internet protocols and technologies.
Frankston has also been a strong proponent of the concept of “end-to-end” design, which advocates for keeping the core of a system simple and pushing complexity to the edges. This approach has been widely adopted in the development of internet protocols and systems.

What Sets Bob Frankston Apart

Bob Frankston’s innovative thinking and problem-solving skills have set him apart in the field of computer science. His creation of VisiCalc and his contributions to the development of Microsoft Excel have had a lasting impact on the way we use computers and manage data.
He has been a strong advocate for open standards and an open internet, and has been vocal about the need for simplicity and user-friendliness in technology.
Frankston’s ability to see the bigger picture and his foresight in predicting the future of technology have made him a thought leader in the field of computer science.

Takeaways

Bob Frankston’s career highlights and key contributions serve as an inspiration for aspiring computer scientists and software engineers. His work has had a significant impact on the development of personal computing and the internet, and his contributions continue to shape the way we use technology.
His emphasis on simplicity and user-friendliness in technology is a valuable lesson for developers and designers, and his advocacy for open standards and an open internet is a reminder of the importance of collaboration and innovation in the tech industry.
Bob Frankston’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of computer scientists and software engineers, and his contributions will be remembered as pivotal in the evolution of personal computing and the internet.

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