Datastorm Technologies
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Bruce Barkelew, Thomas Smith |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Columbia , United States |
| Products | ProComm, Procomm Plus |
Datastorm Technologies, Inc. operated from 1986 until 1996 and was established by Bruce Barkelew and Thomas Smith with the purpose of creating ProComm, a communication software designed for personal computers. Before the advent of the World Wide Web, ProComm became widely recognized for facilitating modem connections to online platforms such as CompuServe and various bulletin board systems. Datastorm distinguished itself by transitioning from a shareware distributor into a significant commercial software enterprise. The MS-DOS version of ProComm 2.4.3 continues to be accessible as shareware.
History
After the passing of Andrew Fluegelman, the developer of PC-Talk, Bruce Barkelew and Tom Smith—both computer science majors at the University of Missouri—established PIL Software Systems in 1985 to create ProComm, initially offering it as shareware through bulletin board systems.
The strong demand for ProComm led them to form Datastorm Technologies Inc. in 1986, basing the company in Columbia, Missouri, where they took advantage of local expertise and affordable living expenses. Growth was funded internally by reinvesting profits rather than seeking external capital. By 1992, Datastorm achieved the rank of 376 on the Inc. 500 list.
Datastorm introduced Procomm Plus, a hybrid 16/32-bit application for Windows that incorporated an early web browser named Web Zeppelin and supported the remote imaging protocol (RIP) to enhance graphical display on bulletin boards. As of November 1993, PC Magazine identified it as the leading retail software for data transmission.
In 1995, Datastorm initiated a significant legal case against Excalibur Communications over software infringement connected to its shareware distribution approach. After maintaining profitability for 40 straight quarters, Datastorm was purchased by Quarterdeck Office Systems in 1996 for more than US$70 million. Subsequently, Quarterdeck was acquired by Symantec (currently NortonLifeLock), which ceased support for Procomm version 4.8 in 2002.
Awards
- 1989: BYTE "Distinction" Award
- 1992: Dvorak PC Telecommunications Excellence Award
- 1997: Shareware Industry Awards Shareware Hall of Fame