25 Years Ago... in 1979 - the first spreadsheet was invented. Two guys - Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston invented the world's first spreadsheet. They thought it was a cool idea - a calculator where you could scroll back and forth through the calculations. In fact - they called it a Visual Calculator and dubbed their product VisiCalc. Visicalc changed everything. This was the product that fueled the personal computer revolution. After VisiCalc, every business had a reason to march out and spend $3000 on a personal computer for their business. The spreadsheet evolved and grew. VisiCalc, Multiplan, Lotus 1-2-3, Improv, Quattro, Excel, Star Office, Open Office are all products that owe their thanks to Bricklin and Frankston. Today, spreadsheets are used everywhere. 400 Million people on earth have a spreadsheet application on their desktop. We believe that spreadsheets are being used to track everything from P&L statements to who-knows-what. Our goal, in this, the 25th anniversary of the spreadsheet is to document some of the innovators. A series of essays will highlight the people, the innovative uses, and the amazing places on earth where spreadsheets are found in 2004. Visit our Submission page to nominate your story for inclusion in this year-long celebration of the spreadsheet. Copyright 2004 TheSpreadSheetProject.com