Historical contribution
What Allen contributed
Allen recognised the Altair 8800 as a practical opening for microcomputer software, helped negotiate with MITS and co-developed Altair BASIC. He later contributed to Microsoft’s early technical and business direction.
Why it mattered
Altair BASIC demonstrated that software for small computers could be developed and licensed as a commercial product, helping establish the personal-computer software industry.
Connected topics
Where this fits in ITEM
Organisations
Associated institutions
Evidence
Sources and further reading
- The History of Microsoft: 1975
Microsoft · Microsoft Learn · 2009
- Altair BASIC Interpreter Source Tape
Computer History Museum · Computer History Museum