Four decades of computer graphics

Starting from a single display giving test-data feedback on MIT's Whirlwind system, computer graphics grew to a multibillion-dollar industry that revolutionized human-computer communication. Cutting across all application areas-whether engineering and scientific, or business and arts/entertainment-are the fundamental technologies and business issues of computer graphics. The increasing power of the personal computer and the enormous numbers currently installed-on the order of 100 million-provide a tempting base for investment and growth. The author expects selectively healthy industry growth through the end of this decade. Annual growth in the early 1990s has been about 12 percent. How long double digit compound revenue growth can continue, in view of the continuing price pressure, is not clear. However, the author expects to see 10 percent annual unit growth for at least the next five years (1994-99). Certainly, companies continue to form, although professional investors now seem to favor software over hardware start-ups. In particular, companies specializing in graphical user interfaces, object-oriented programming, VR, and parallel processing software appear attractive to investors