IBM’s first killer application, the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet programme for PCs, was launched on 26 January 1983. It was extremely successful because it was fast, user-friendly, and it could also be used as a word processor. It even outdid Microsoft’s Excel.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lotus Software, formerly called Lotus Development Corporation, was founded by Mitch Kapor and Jonathan Sachs in 1982, shortly after the release of the IBM PC. The company was founded with the aim of marketing Lotus 1-2-3. Jim Manzi (now involved in start-up ventures), who joined Lotus in 1984, developed the company into a worldwide business, which was acquired by IBM for 3.5 billion US dollars in 1995. Lotus discontinued in 2001, today it is part of IBM.

Their best-known product, Lotus Notes, which played a significant role in investments by the administration sector, was released in 1989. Lotus Domino, server for Notes, offers turn-key ready to use solutions to workflow management and collaborative work. Lotus SmartSuite is their office applications bundle.