Historical Events tagged with "software"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Science & Technology

Launch of the Osborne 1 Portable Computer

April 3rd, 1981 43 years ago

The Osborne 1 was unveiled at the West Coast Computer Faire in San Francisco, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of portable computing. Designed by Adam Osborne, this groundbreaking device featured a unique all-in-one design that included a 5-inch screen, floppy disk drives, and a full-size keyboard. It was the first commercially successful portable computer, weighing approximately 24.5 pounds. The launch attracted significant attention from attendees and set the stage for future innovations in portable technology.

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Science & Technology

Formation of Oracle Corporation by Founders

June 16th, 1977 47 years ago

Larry Ellison, Bob Miner, and Ed Oates established Software Development Laboratories (SDL) in Redwood Shores, California. The company was founded to develop software for managing and querying data, laying the groundwork for what would become Oracle Corporation. The trio's vision was to create a robust database system that could meet the demands of businesses seeking efficient data management solutions.

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Science & Technology

Microsoft is Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen

April 4th, 1975 49 years ago

Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque. The partnership aimed to create software for the Altair 8800 microcomputer, setting the groundwork for a new era in personal computing. With their combined expertise, they sought to harness the growing interest in home computers, which were emerging in the 1970s. Through initial contracts and collaboration with MITS, they solidified their position in the burgeoning tech market.

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Technology & Innovation

The Start of Unix Time Era

January 1st, 1970 55 years ago

Unix time marks the start of a timekeeping system that counts the number of seconds elapsed since 00:00:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on January 1, 1970. This system has become pivotal in computer science and is widely used in various software programs, systems, and databases. The use of Unix time simplifies the storage and manipulation of date and time data in computing environments. Due to its universality, it provides an essential framework for cross-platform compatibility among systems.

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Economics & Industry

IBM's Revolutionary Software Pricing Announcement

June 23rd, 1969 55 years ago

IBM announced a significant change in its pricing strategy, declaring that from January 1970, it would separate the pricing of its software and services from its hardware offerings. This announcement marked a pivotal shift towards establishing a distinct software industry, paving the way for developers to innovate and create applications independent of hardware limitations. The decision was influenced by the growing recognition of software as a vital segment of the technology industry, deserving of its own business model and revenue stream.

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Science & Technology

IBM Unveils Revolutionary System/360 Computer

April 7th, 1964 60 years ago

IBM introduced the System/360, a groundbreaking family of mainframe computers designed to cover a range of applications and uses. This announcement marked a pivotal moment in computing, as it established compatibility across various systems and improved performance standards. The System/360 aimed to unify different computing platforms and was intended for businesses, government, and research applications. IBM's ambitious plan included delivering a scalable product line for diverse users, enhancing productivity in numerous sectors.

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