Oral history interview with Bernard Goldstein

Abstract

This oral history with software industry pioneer Bernard Goldstein documents his early education at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University, his service in the U.S. Navy, and his entrepreneurial activity with Computech, United Data Centers (UDC), and National CSS. Computech, Goldstein’s first venture, was formed to solve a variety of business and scientific problems by the application of computing technology. The company processed employee payrolls and market research data, and developed applications for the Johnson Development Center and the U.S. Navy. Computech was eventually sold to the Control Data Corporation. Goldstein then went on to found United Data Centers, a national data processing chain operation. This company merged with Tymshare, a timesharing company. Goldstein then joined National CSS before it was sold to Dun & Bradstreet. The oral history describes Goldstein’s involvement with ADAPSO, the Computer Software and Services Industry Association, challenges from IBM in the marketplace for data services, and the federal government’s role in the computer industry. Also discussed is Coleman’s role in the software/services industry through co-founding Broadview, and his leadership in merger and acquisition activity during the 1980s and 1990s. This oral history was sponsored by the Software History Center in conjunction with the Center's ADAPSO reunion (3 May 2002).