NAIC 514210

Data Processing Services

How the companies in this industry began, and the forces that shaped them.

14companies1949–1997founding years12still active2no longer operating
§ 01

The industry over time

Companies foundedEconomyTechnologyEnvironmentHistory
1958
TechnologyThe integrated circuit is demonstrated.
1962
EnvironmentSilent Spring launches the modern environmental movement.
1971
EconomyThe dollar leaves the gold standard; currencies float.
1973
EconomyThe OPEC oil embargo triggers a global shock.
1975
TechnologyThe personal-computer era begins.
1979
EconomyA second oil crisis drives inflation higher worldwide.
1981
TechnologyThe IBM PC launches and sets a standard.
1984
TechnologyApple ships the Macintosh; the GUI era begins.
1987
EconomyBlack Monday: markets fall sharply around the world.
1989
HistoryThe Berlin Wall falls; global markets open up.
1991
TechnologyThe World Wide Web is released to the public.
1993
TechnologyThe Mosaic browser brings the web to everyone.
1995
TechnologyWindows 95 launches; the internet goes mainstream.
1997
EconomyThe Asian financial crisis rattles global markets.
EnvironmentThe Kyoto Protocol sets the first climate targets.
2000
EconomyThe dot-com bubble bursts.
2004
TechnologySocial media and Web 2.0 take hold.
2007
TechnologyThe iPhone launches the smartphone era.
2008
EconomyThe global financial crisis freezes credit worldwide.
2010
TechnologyCloud computing goes mainstream for business.
2015
EnvironmentThe Paris Agreement sets global climate targets.
2020
EconomyThe COVID-19 pandemic upends the global economy.
2022
EconomyInflation spikes; central banks raise rates sharply.
2023
TechnologyGenerative AI reaches mainstream business use.
§ 02

The companies

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
Active · founded 1949
The undisputed number one paymaster to the nation, Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
Active · founded 1949
The undisputed number one paymaster to the nation, Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
Oracle Corporation
Active · founded 1977
Oracle Corporation is the number one supplier of information management software, and the second largest independent…
Oracle Corporation
Active · founded 1977
Oracle Corporation is the number one supplier of information management software, and the second largest independent…
Intrado Inc.
Active · founded 1979
Intrado Inc.
Intrado Inc.
Active · founded 1979
Intrado Inc.
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.
Defunct · founded 1988
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.
Defunct · founded 1988
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.
Telstra Corporation Limited
Active · founded 1992 · Australia
Telstra Corporation Limited is a full-service telecommunications, information services, and network platform company…
Telstra Corporation Limited
Active · founded 1992 · Australia
Telstra Corporation Limited is a full-service telecommunications, information services, and network platform company…
Digital River, Inc.
Active · founded 1994
Digital River, Inc.
Digital River, Inc.
Active · founded 1994
Digital River, Inc.
Veridian Corporation
Active · founded 1997
Veridian Corporation supplies IT services to the federal government.
Veridian Corporation
Active · founded 1997
Veridian Corporation supplies IT services to the federal government.
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