Intergraph

(Intergraph Corporation, Huntsville, AL, www.intergraph.com) A software and services company founded in 1969 as M&S Computing by Jim and Nancy Meadlock, Keith Schonrock, Bob Thurber and Terry Schansman. Initially a computer consulting firm to government agencies, it specialized in computer graphics and changed its name to Intergraph in 1980 ("interactive graphics").

Intergraph developed expertise on Digital PDP and VAX computers and later developed proprietary Unix workstations based on its own CLIPPER chip technology. In 1992, it migrated to Windows NT and became the world's leader in NT-based graphics workstations. In 1996, it introduced the first 28" HDTV-format computer monitor.

Despite Intergraph's pioneering work in the hardware part of the industry, the company was significantly impacted by Intel and others in the late 1990s. In 2000, the company exited the workstation and server market and re-structured its business units to focus on providing technical software, systems integration and professional services to the federal government and industries such as transportation and mapping/GIS. In late 2006, Intergraph was acquired by an investor group.

Interactive Graphics

Realistic flight simulation is an example of the interactive graphics that Intergraph used to provide with its workstations and graphics subsystems. (Image courtesy of Intergraph Computer Systems.)