Multiplan
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | Microsoft |
| Products | Spreadsheet application |
Multiplan is a spreadsheet application created by Microsoft, launched in 1982 as a contender against VisiCalc.
Originally designed for CP/M platforms, Multiplan was developed with Microsoft's own p-code C compiler, which allowed it to be adapted for numerous operating systems such as MS-DOS, Xenix, Commodore 64 and 128, TI-99/4A, various TRS-80 variants, Apple II, among others. The CP/M edition also operated on multiple machines through CP/M expansion cards. In 1986, the software extended its reach to the French market via Thomson computers and was introduced in Japan as MSX-Plan tailored for MSX-compatible devices.
Although Microsoft released Microsoft Chart as a graphical add-on, Multiplan consistently lagged behind Lotus 1-2-3 in sales. Eventually, it was succeeded by Microsoft Excel on the Apple Macintosh (1985) and later on Microsoft Windows (1987).
Despite selling over one million units, Multiplan did not manage to surpass Lotus 1-2-3. Bill Gates attributed this outcome partly to the vast number of versions—close to 100—and the strategic choice to offer 8-bit editions rather than concentrating on the emerging 16-bit systems. As a result, Microsoft redirected its efforts toward graphical applications on Macintosh and Windows platforms, while Lotus dominated the DOS-based character interface market.
During early Windows development around 1983, Microsoft intended to create a Windows-compatible version of Multiplan but discontinued these plans by 1984.
A specialized version existed for the Apple Lisa 2 running Microsoft's SCO Xenix 3, which was compact enough to fit on a single 400K microfloppy disk.
Cell addressing differences
One notable feature distinguishing Multiplan from its rivals was Microsoft's implementation of R1C1 cell referencing instead of the A1 style popularized by VisiCalc. While R1C1 formulas (for example, "RC[-1]" indicating "same row, previous column") offer a simpler logic, most users favored the more familiar A1 notation. Microsoft preserved R1C1 addressing in Microsoft Excel, which supports both formats but defaults to A1.
Reception
The Commodore 64 edition of Multiplan, distributed by Human Engineered Software, received praise from Ahoy! in 1984 as a "professional quality spreadsheet" featuring comprehensive mathematical functions and clear documentation. Another review acknowledged the limitation of a 40-column display but emphasized its user-friendliness and solid construction, describing Multiplan as an exceptional value. BYTE magazine hailed the Macintosh version as a "winner," highlighting its powerful capabilities combined with the Mac's graphical interface that outperformed competing products.
A survey conducted in 1990 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants revealed that 7% of respondents utilized Multiplan for their spreadsheet needs.