A History of Microcomputer Spreadsheets

Abstract

In 1978, the first microcomputer spreadsheet program was developed. Since then spreadsheets have become widely used as productivity software for business and home computer users. Many of today's MIS faculty members use a variety of spreadsheet programs, but the origins and evolution of this product category is of on-going interest to students, managers and MIS faculty. This article is a contemporary history of microcomputer spreadsheets based on primary and secondary sources.