Courtesy of the Oral History of Werner Frank, via the Computer History Museum.
Werner Frank’s story is a testament to the American Dream and the transformative power of the tech industry. Arriving in the US as a young immigrant with a passion for mathematics, he stumbled upon the nascent field of computing while serving in the army. This sparked a lifelong journey that saw him become a key player in the software revolution, shaping the way we interact with technology today.
Frank’s career is filled with inspiring anecdotes and pivotal moments. He witnessed the birth of the software industry, working with early giants like David Young and contributing groundbreaking research. He co-founded Informatics, a pioneering software services firm, and later led Equimatics, a joint venture with Equitable Life. His vision for the future led him to champion microcomputers and interactive software, a move that ultimately paved the way for the ubiquitous PCs and user-friendly interfaces we rely on today. Frank’s story reminds us that innovation and a belief in the power of technology can truly change the world.
Werner Frank at one of the first desktop computers (1981)
Anecdotes from the interview
- From firing to FORTRAN: Frank’s first job in the industry was as a punch card operator, where he was initially fired for a mistake. However, his potential was recognized and he was soon rehired, eventually becoming a leading figure in the transition from assembler language to FORTRAN.
- The birth of Informatics in a cold, empty house: Frank co-founded Informatics with Walter Bauer and Richard Hill, starting their venture in Frank’s own empty house due to his temporary relocation for another project. This humble beginning highlights the risk-taking and dedication of these early software pioneers.
- “All the investment required for setting up a computer software company is men with the right technical background and a lot of coffee.” This quote from Frank, published in the Jerusalem Post, perfectly captures the spirit of the early software industry, where innovation and human ingenuity were the driving forces.
- Scoffing at the mouse: Frank admits to initially dismissing the computer mouse, a technology that now seems indispensable. This anecdote reminds us that even the most visionary individuals can sometimes underestimate the potential of revolutionary ideas.
- “Software bugs are always infectious.” This humorous quote from Frank’s colleagues reflects his deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of software development.
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