multiplan

Multiplan is a spreadsheet application developed by Software Arts and released in 1982. It was one of the first commercially successful spreadsheet programs and a significant influence on the development of later spreadsheet software, most notably Microsoft Excel. Multiplan was designed for business professionals and offered a tabular grid for data organization, calculation, and analysis. Key features included the ability to perform complex mathematical operations, create formulas referencing other cells, and generate reports. It was known for its relatively user-friendly interface compared to earlier data management tools. Multiplan was initially available for various microcomputers, including CP/M systems, MS-DOS, and early versions of Apple Macintosh. Its success helped establish the spreadsheet as a fundamental business tool. The development team behind Multiplan, led by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston, later went on to create other influential software. While Multiplan itself was eventually superseded by more advanced applications, its foundational concepts and design principles laid the groundwork for the modern spreadsheet software that remains ubiquitous in personal and professional computing today.