Digital Communications Associates

Last updated
Digital Communications Associates
Company typePublic
Industry
  • Computer
  • Telecommunications
FounderJohn Alderman
FateAcquired by Attachmate
Headquarters Alpharetta, Georgia, United States
ProductsComputer networking hardware

Digital Communication Associates, Inc. (DCA), was a company in the computer and telecommunications industry, located in Alpharetta, Georgia, United States.

Contents

Overview

Digital Communications Associates was founded by John Alderman, who led the company until 1981, when he was replaced by Bertil Nordin. [1] In February 1983, DCA went public, raising 24 million USD. [1] Later, Garry Betty (1957-2007) was CEO of DCA, until he left for Earthlink in November 1996. [2]

Together with Intel, DCA had designed the DCA/Intel Communicating Applications Specification (CAS). It defines a standard, high-level programming interface for data communications applications. The DCX format is the standard file format for storing FAX images in CAS. DCA was in the market of producing T-1 multiplexers. [3] In 1995, DCA [3] of Alpharetta, Georgia, was acquired by Attachmate of Bellevue, Washington. [3] [4]

Acquisitions

In 1981, under the leadership of Bertil Nordin, DCA acquired Technical Analysis Corporation (TAC), the makers of the IRMA Board which enabled PCs to function as 3270 terminals to an IBM mainframe host. [1]

In September 1986, DCA bought Cohesive Networks. [5]

In 1986, DCA acquired Microstuf, makers of the Crosstalk Communications package together with their flagship product, the terminal emulation program Crosstalk Mk.4. [6]

In 1991, DCA acquired Cincinnati-based InterComputer Communications Corporation (ICC), makers of the INFOConnect line of terminal emulation and file-transfer products (focused on the Unisys ecosystem), OpenMind (collaboration) and RLN (remote lan node)

In 1992, DCA acquired Westborough-based Avatar Technologies, makers of the Mac Mainframe hardware and software 3270 emulators, for $8 million. [7]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Pelkey, James (2007). "11.10: Digital Communication Associates". Entrepreneurial Capitalism and Innovation: A History of Computer Communications 1968-1988 . Retrieved 27 December 2014 via historyofcomputercommunications.info.
  2. "EarthLink's Garry Betty passes away". Atlanta Business Chronicle. January 3, 2007. Retrieved 27 December 2014 via bizjournals.com.
  3. 1 2 3 Gantz, John (10 November 1986). "DCA Planning for Upcoming Era of Interdevice Communications". InfoWorld (Archived by Google Books). Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  4. Peters, Andy (15 June 1998). "How Atlanta plays incubator to innovators". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved 27 December 2014 via bizjournals.com.
  5. Pelkey, James (2007). "11.25 Digital Communication Associates". Entrepreneurial Capitalism and Innovation: A History of Computer Communications 1968–1988 . Retrieved 27 December 2014 via historyofcomputercommunications.info.
  6. Martin, James (13 Oct 1987). "Digital Communications acquires micro software firm". InfoWorld. Archived by Google Books. Retrieved 28 Apr 2015.
  7. Staff writer (December 19, 1992). "New owner plans to close Mass. plant". The Berkshire Eagle. Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Associated Press. p. 32 via Newspapers.com.