Lore Harp McGovern built a microcomputer empire from her suburban home (every.to)

Article summary

Lore Harp McGovern, a housewife and mother of two, founded Vector Graphic, a microcomputer company, from her suburban California home in the mid-1970s. With her friend Carole Ely, she grew the company into a major manufacturer of microcomputers, eventually taking it public. McGovern's story is a significant contribution to the history of the personal computing industry. Her company's success was notable, especially given the challenges faced by women in the tech industry at the time.

Main themes

• Women in tech
• Early microcomputing industry
• Entrepreneurship
• Silicon Valley history
• Remote work

What commenters say

• Some commenters drew parallels between Lore Harp McGovern's story and other female pioneers in the tech industry, such as Steve Shirley, who also built a successful company with a remote workforce.
• The discussion touched on the challenges of remote work in the 1960s and 1970s, with some commenters sharing their own experiences with early remote work technologies like Teletype machines and punch cards.
• There is disagreement about the importance of physical presence in building trust and effective working relationships, with some arguing that it is essential and others claiming that it is not necessary with the right approach and commitment.
• Some commenters reflected on the significance of Vector Graphic's story in the context of the early microcomputing industry, including the company's eventual decline and the impact of the IBM PC on the market.
• The conversation also included opinions on the portrayal of women in tech in media, with some commenters referencing the TV show Halt and Catch Fire and the movie BlackBerry.
• A few commenters expressed interest in learning more about the history of Vector Graphic and its products, as well as the broader context of the small business system integrator market in the 1970s and 1980s.
• There were also comments on the challenges faced by women in the tech industry, including sexism and the difficulties of balancing work and family responsibilities.
• Some commenters noted the similarities between Lore Harp McGovern's story and other stories of entrepreneurial success, highlighting the importance of innovation and perseverance in building a successful company.