IEEE Annals of the History of Computing · 2007 · 21 citations · 0 references
ComputingInformation SystemsInformation TechnologyHuman-computer InteractionInformation DesignSoftware EngineeringSoftware ConstructionSoftware DesignComputing HistoryElectronic ComputersInformation Technology HistorySoftware Product LinesSpreadsheet Programming
VisiCalc, an instantly updated spreadsheet software product, is often credited with being largely responsible for the widespread acceptance of personal computers in the early 1980s. VisiCalc met with unrivaled and virtually immediate success when introduced in 1979 yet was superseded in just a few years. This article examines the factors behind the creation and the demise of this remarkable product.