October 2, 1981 is the first day Data Conversion Laboratory started doing business. Today we celebrate 42 years of helping clients improve communication by converting and structuring content for new platforms, programs, or technology. The following image depicts one of DCL's earlier jobs that involved updating the format of files from a BASF system tape and contrasting that with our ability to scan an image and reformat into text-based structure that carries semantic meaning.
In 1987, The New York Times featured an article that many will STILL relate to: the reluctance to move to a new system, platform, or technology because the process of losing or updating data is daunting.
To put things in perspective and recognize how far DCL has come, we went back to 1981 to see what some of the headlines were that year:
In April of 1981, NASA launched the very first Space Shuttle mission.
Cost of a first-class stamp was $0.15.
MTV debuted with "Video Killed the Radio Star."
Sandra Day O'Connor sworn in as the 1st female US Supreme Court Justice.
The FDA approves the use of the artificial sweetener aspartame (Nutrasweet).
An unknown singer, Prince, opens for the Rolling Stones at the LA Coliseum.
Lady Diana and Prince Charles marry.
IBM introduces its first personal computer, running the Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS).
We've seen so many technology changes these past 42 years and no doubt the changes over the next 40 years will be fast and furious as fueled by AI. What will remain consistent is our ongoing commitment to clients and our dedication to technological advances.
Now...it's time for cake!