NeXT Introduction

NeXT

File:NeXT logo.svg NeXT emblem designed by Paul Rand
Company type	Private
Industry	Computer hardware and software
Founded	1985 (1985)
Founder	Steve Jobs
Headquarters	Palo Alto , United States
Key people	Steve Jobs (Founder)
Products	NeXT Computer, NeXT Software Toolkit
Website	www.next.com

The NeXT Introduction, subtitled "the Introduction to the NeXT Generation of Computers for Education," was an exclusive, invitation-only gala event that celebrated the launch of the NeXT Computer (also known as the NeXT Computer System). Characterized as a multimedia spectacle, this event took place on Wednesday, October 12, 1988, from 9:30 am until noon at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, California. Attendees were given special commemorative posters unique to this launch.

Following Steve Jobs' departure from Apple three years prior, Jobs maintained a low profile, revealing only the NeXT logo briefly in 1986 and announcing a $20 million funding round led by H. Ross Perot in early 1987. He refrained from attending industry gatherings until this debut, marking his first prominent public appearance since leaving Apple. To orchestrate the presentation, he enlisted multimedia artist George Coates.

This occasion not only introduced a new computing platform but also symbolized Steve Jobs' return to the spotlight, as he addressed the audience with the words, "It's great to be back."

Over 3,000 invitations were distributed primarily to educators, software developers, and journalists, with no members of Apple's staff included.

Davies Symphony Hall was selected for its superior acoustics to demonstrate the computer’s DSPs, which supported full stereo audio capabilities. Remarkably, the NeXT Computer performed alongside a symphony violinist during the event.

Steve Jobs commenced the presentation featuring a custom animation created by NeXT UI Architect Keith Ohlfs, which depicted the evolution of computer interfaces and highlighted the NeXT’s multitasking features.

On October 13, "The NeXT Day" followed as a specialized gathering where selected educators and developers could participate in a technical session at the San Francisco Hilton for a $100 registration fee. This program offered detailed insights into NeXT’s software architecture, object-oriented programming concepts, and development tools, culminating with Jobs delivering the luncheon keynote.

Aimed at experienced programmers, this event provided an exhaustive exploration of NeXT’s software environment.

This launch approach was subsequently replicated at other locations such as Boston's Symphony Hall and University of California, Riverside.

Agenda

All participants received an agenda detailing the schedule:

Who	Developers focused on NeXT software creation
What	The NeXT Day event
When	October 13, 1988, from 8 AM to 6 PM (including luncheon)
Where	San Francisco Hilton (Mason & O'Farrell Streets)
Why	To deliver a comprehensive technical briefing on the NeXT computer
How	Complete and submit the enclosed registration form

8:00	Continental Breakfast
9:00	Opening Session
	Product Overview Presentation
	Software Architecture Discussion
	User Interface Development
	Introduction to NeXT Software Toolkit
12:00	Luncheon with keynote speaker Steven P. Jobs
1:30	Overview of NeXT Operating System
	Display PostScript Technology
	Object-Oriented Programming Concepts
	Development Strategies for NeXT Computer
	Services for NeXT Developers
	Closing Remarks
5:00	Reception Gathering

Launch poster

Attendees were given a 37" by 17" promotional poster printed on thick paper stock, showcasing the NeXT Computer, Screen, Keyboard, Mouse, and Laser Printer. The poster prominently featured the NeXT emblem designed by Paul Rand accompanied by the slogan "October 12, 1988 - Computing Advances To The NeXT Level".