Computing Canada celebrates milestone

Like most magazine startups, the early days of this publication were replete with challenges. In 1975, the year of its inception, Computing Canada published only six issues. Getting advertisers to buy into the concept of the magazine was no easy feat. Our founder persisted, however, and the size of this 30th anniversary issue is evidence the industry has come to recognize Computing Canada as the leading source of information on high-tech developments as they pertain to Canadian organizations.Let’s back up. Thirty years ago, Microsoft was barely a blip on the radar, IBM had introduced its first portable computer – the heavyweight tipped the scales at 50 pounds, and surfing wasn’t something you could imagine the help-desk giving lessons on.
Fast forward to 2005. The smooth running of almost any business is predicated on complex networks of technology, whether it’s a human resources system tracking vacation days or business intelligence software helping retailers better determine where to deploy resources during peak periods.
Between 1975 and 2005, there have been countless Canadian pioneers who blazed trails of innovation to illustrate how technology can help businesses build competitive advantage. Bank of Montreal, for example, was first to offer clients real-time access to the bank’s national online system, allowing them to check balances, transfer funds and update transactions from their own offices (see page 42).
There were also individuals whose hard work and dedication earned Canada a reputation as a global high-tech force to be reckoned with. RIM chief Mike Lazaridis – who tops our list of Top 30 IT Movers and Shakers – is both an uber-entrepreneur and a tireless philanthropist (see profile on page 4). Lazaridis not only developed the world’s most popular mobile messaging device, he has also donated hundreds of millions of dollars in an effort to rev Canada’s research engine.
Putting this issue together has been a great lesson in Canadian IT history, and we can only hope the next 30 years will offer as much excitement and innovation as the last three decades.