-
Kenneth Olsen was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He attended MIT and majored in engineering. His master's thesis was on core memory, a computer storage advancement.
-
Helped develop the first transistorized computer, TX-2, which inspired hacker culture at MIT. -
DEC’s machines inspired generations of hackers and programmers. His early support of open experimentation laid the groundwork for open-source values.
-
Co-founded DEC with Harlan Anderson in a rented mill in Maynard, MA. Received a $70,000 investment from American Research and Development Corp. -
DEC's first computer, the PDP-1, became instrumental among early hackers -
Programmed on the PDP-1 by MIT students; Olsen supported experimentation. -
The world's first commercially successful minicomputer, it was compact and affordable.
Empowered universities and labs worldwide. -
Giving computing power to smaller institutions—not just corporations. This helped bring Olsen's vision to a larger audience.
-
The predecessor to modern networking—allowed DEC computers to talk to each other. DEC’s systems were used in ARPANET, precursor to the internet.
Many protocols and engineers came from DEC labs. -
Launched the VAX-11/780, a powerful 32-bit computer—huge in universities and labs. -
the quote often highlights mispredictions about technology, Olsen claimed it was taken out of context. He was referring to computers for home automation, not to be confused with personal computers.
-
Olsen attempted to enter the PC market, but Microsoft/IBM dominated. -
Olsen was forced out as CEO as DEC failed to adapt to the rise of PCs. DEC was later acquired by Compaq in 1998.
Compaq was later acquired by HP in 2002 -
National Medal of Technology and Innovation (1993). Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. -
Passed away on February 6, 2011. Celebrated as a visionary in both hardware and software development.