The 1980s were not just a decade of big hair and neon colors, they actually saw major innovation in software. Take a look at the some of the definitive software pioneers of the decade.
This first photo features Peter Norton, who got his start writing DOS-based software programs, such as the UNERASE tool. He is best known for his anti-virus software that he eventually sold to Symantec.
Warnock and Geshke founded Adobe Systems in 1982. The company introduced its flagship product, Photoshop, in 1989.
Walker founded the company in 1982 and helped to author the company’s AutoCAD (computer-aided design) software. AutoCAD is still popular among engineers and architects, among others.
Avid got its start in 1987, and is known for its video production and editing software. Founder Bill Warner, an MIT grad, credits his start in technology to a farmer named John Beall.
Iacobucci was a former IBM developer who helped found Citrix in 1989. Unfortunately, he died of cancer in 2013.
Cook and Proulx founded Intuit in Palo Alto, California in 1983. The company gained traction with its Quicken program for personal finance, and later its accounting software, QuickBooks.
Kapor cofounded Lotus with Jonathan Sachs in 1982. Kapor designed Lotus 1-2-3, the company’s spreadsheet program that led to its success.
McAfee founded McAfee Associates, to produce anti-virus software, in 1987. McAfee has faced criticism for his personal life after his run-ins with the law.
Novell, developer of NetWare, was founded by Noorda and Drew Major. Unfortunately he died from complications with Alzheimer’s disease in 2006.
Cowpland launched Cowpland Research Laboratory, which would become Corel, in 1985. The company was know for its purchase of WordPerfect and for later introducing CorelDRAW in 1989.
Conner is a former Senior Editor for TechRepublic. He is now a Senior Research Analyst at 451 Research.
