Lotus 1-2-3

Spreadsheet software

Lotus 1-2-3

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Other names
Original author(s)
Developer(s)	Lotus Software
Initial release	1983
Repository	{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}
Written in
Middleware
Engine

Lotus 1-2-3 is a spreadsheet program developed by Lotus Software (later part of IBM). It was the first killer application of the IBM PC, and contributed significantly to the success of the IBM PC in the business world. Lotus 1-2-3 was released on January 26, 1983.

History

Lotus 1-2-3 was developed by Mitch Kapor and Jonathan Sachs. The name "1-2-3" refers to the integration of three main capabilities: spreadsheet calculations, database functionality, and graphical charting. The software quickly became popular due to its speed and efficiency, which were superior to other spreadsheet programs available at the time, such as VisiCalc.

Features

Lotus 1-2-3 introduced several features that were innovative for its time:

• Integrated Graphing: Users could create graphical charts directly from the spreadsheet data.
• Database Functions: It included basic database management capabilities, allowing users to sort and query data.
• Macros: Users could automate repetitive tasks by recording macros.
• Cell Addressing: It used the A1 notation for cell addressing, which became a standard in spreadsheet software.

Versions

Lotus 1-2-3 was initially released for MS-DOS, but later versions were developed for Microsoft Windows and OS/2. The software saw numerous updates and versions, with the final version being 9.8, released in 2002. Despite its early success, Lotus 1-2-3 eventually lost market share to Microsoft Excel.

Decline and Discontinuation

The rise of Microsoft Excel in the 1990s, which offered more advanced features and better integration with other Microsoft Office applications, led to the decline of Lotus 1-2-3. IBM, which acquired Lotus Software in 1995, officially discontinued Lotus 1-2-3 in 2013.

Legacy

Lotus 1-2-3 played a crucial role in the adoption of personal computers in business environments. It set the standard for spreadsheet software and influenced the development of future applications. The program's success demonstrated the potential of software to drive hardware sales, a concept that continues to be relevant in the technology industry.

See also

• Lotus Software
• IBM
• Microsoft Excel
• Spreadsheet
• VisiCalc