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Founders Ken Olsen, Stan Olsen, and Harland Anderson
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Programmed Data Processor, 18-bit computer sold for only $120K
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Digital Equipment Computer Users Society became one of the largest tech societies in the world by 1978
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Similar to PDP-1, but for a reduced price of only $65K.
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This was the first commercially built minicomputer, and validated that a market for them existed.
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Answering the high demand for minicomputers, DEC initiated it's firs Product Line process to include, engineers, programmers, marketing, and production under one manager.
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The first large, commercially produced computer that included time-share application software provided and manufacturer software support.
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First production model "minicomputer" that was smaller than it's predecessors. Sold for under $20K.
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Using the new R Series logic, this product line has sold more units than any other PDP version.
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First small to medium sized PDP minicomputer to come with a keyboard monitoring system, and was twice the speed of the PDP-7.
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This new 36-bit computer was compatible with the PDP-6, but had twice the power. This model was highly regarded among universities and research labs.
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This was an initiative to release small, expandable EDUsystem computers to elementary schools. Increased exposure of computers to the public. This idea is still in use today.
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This follow up to the PDP-9 used a separate I/O processor to interact with the CPU processor. It was less expensive, but faster than previous models.
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First minicomputer to interface the processor, memory, and peripherals into a single bud, called UNIBUS.
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DEC had become the 2nd largest computer manufacturer in the U.S. in dollar sales, and 8th in the world.
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At this point, DEC was the leading minicomputer company for both market share, and dollar value.
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Moving towards high end minicomputers, they build the first Virtual Address eXtension (VAX) computers.
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DEC's first foray into personal computers.
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The newest version of it's Virtual Address eXtension (VAX) model becomes an instant bestseller.
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Recognized as a leader in the computer industry, second only to the IBM juggernaut.
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The company's founder steps down.
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DEC launched AltaVista, one of the first ever search engines for the Internet. It became incredibly popular with users, and was eventually bought by Yahoo in 2003.
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Despite attempts to keep up with modern technology, including internet ventures, DEC continued to lose money and market share. Compaq steps in, purchasing the flailing company for $9.6B.
