Dan Fylstra Quotes
- Entrepreneur
- 1952
Dan Fylstra is an American entrepreneur, software developer, and author. He is best known for founding VisiCorp, the first company to market a spreadsheet program for the personal computer. He also wrote the book Visicalc: The First Electronic Spreadsheet, which chronicles the development of the pro…Read More
Dan Fylstra is an American entrepreneur, software developer, and author. He is best known for founding VisiCorp, the first company to market a spreadsheet program for the personal computer. He also wrote the book Visicalc: The First Electronic Spreadsheet, which chronicles the development of the program. Fylstra has also founded several other software companies, including Personal Software, which created the popular VisiCalc program, and Software Arts, which developed the popular spreadsheet program, VisiCalc. He has also written several books on software development, including Programming the IBM PC and The Software Entrepreneur.Read Less
Dan Fylstra is an American entrepreneur, software developer, and author. He is best known for founding VisiCorp, the first company to market a spreadsheet program for the personal computer. He also wrote the book Visicalc: The First Electronic Spreadsheet, which chronicles the development of the program. Fylstra has also founded several other software companies, including Personal Software, which created the popular VisiCalc program, and Software Arts, which developed the popular spreadsheet program, VisiCalc. He has also written several books on software development, including Programming the IBM PC and The Software Entrepreneur.
Dan Fylstra Career Highlights
- Founded Fylstra Associates, a software development company, in 1978
- Developed the popular software program, VisiCalc, in 1979
- Served as president of the Software Publishers Association from 1983-1984
- Inducted into the Software Hall of Fame in 2002
- Currently serves as the CEO of Frontline Systems, a software company specializing in optimization and simulation tools
Key Contributions by Dan Fylstra
- Developed VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet program, which revolutionized the way businesses managed their finances
- Pioneered the concept of “killer apps” in the software industry, referring to programs that are so useful and popular that they drive sales of the hardware they run on
- Helped establish the personal computer as a valuable tool for businesses and individuals, rather than just a hobbyist’s toy
- Advocated for the protection of intellectual property rights in the software industry, leading to the creation of the Software Publishers Association (now known as the Software and Information Industry Association)
What Sets Dan Fylstra Apart
- Fylstra’s development of VisiCalc was a game-changer in the software industry, paving the way for future spreadsheet programs and solidifying the importance of personal computers in the business world
- His advocacy for intellectual property rights helped shape the software industry into what it is today, with strong protections for creators and their work
- Fylstra’s continued success in the software industry, with his current company Frontline Systems providing cutting-edge optimization and simulation tools, showcases his ability to adapt and innovate in a constantly evolving field
Takeaways
- Dan Fylstra’s contributions to the software industry have had a lasting impact, shaping the way we use computers and manage data
- His success as an entrepreneur and leader in the industry serves as an inspiration for aspiring software developers and business owners
- Fylstra’s dedication to protecting intellectual property rights highlights the importance of valuing and respecting the work of creators in the digital age.