-
Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Founded
Founders Ken Olsen, Stan Olsen, and Harland Anderson -
PDP-1 Released
Programmed Data Processor, 18-bit computer sold for only $120K -
DECUS Formed
Digital Equipment Computer Users Society became one of the largest tech societies in the world by 1978 -
PDP-4 Released
Similar to PDP-1, but for a reduced price of only $65K. -
PDP-5 Released
This was the first commercially built minicomputer, and validated that a market for them existed. -
First Product Line Formed
Answering the high demand for minicomputers, DEC initiated it's firs Product Line process to include, engineers, programmers, marketing, and production under one manager. -
PDP-6 Released
The first large, commercially produced computer that included time-share application software provided and manufacturer software support. -
PDP-7 and PDP-7A Released
First production model "minicomputer" that was smaller than it's predecessors. Sold for under $20K. -
PDP-8 Released
Using the new R Series logic, this product line has sold more units than any other PDP version. -
PDP-9 Released
First small to medium sized PDP minicomputer to come with a keyboard monitoring system, and was twice the speed of the PDP-7. -
PDP-10
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. -
EDUsystems program
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. -
PDP-15 Released
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. -
PDP-11/20 Released
First minicomputer to interface the processor, memory, and peripherals into a single bud, called UNIBUS. -
Sales Milestone
DEC had become the 2nd largest computer manufacturer in the U.S. in dollar sales, and 8th in the world. -
Market Share Milestone
At this point, DEC was the leading minicomputer company for both market share, and dollar value. -
VAX Released
Moving towards high end minicomputers, they build the first Virtual Address eXtension (VAX) computers. -
Rainbow 100 Released
DEC's first foray into personal computers. -
VAX 8600 Released
The newest version of it's Virtual Address eXtension (VAX) model becomes an instant bestseller. -
Company Milestone
Recognized as a leader in the computer industry, second only to the IBM juggernaut. -
Ken Olsen Retires
The company's founder steps down. -
AltaVista Released
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. -
DEC Sold to Compaq
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.
