Boston's Route 128 was a center of innovation in the minicomputer era. DEC, Data General, Prime, and Wang were all Boston-area companies. None survived the transition to microprocessors.
EMC is still kickin
Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
131–138 of 138 posts
Re: Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
#132Re: Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
#133I don't know what's more sad, the fact that NJ killed its own tech scene or that the revival efforts shining example focus on a "company that helps people make money on videos they post on social media". That's certainly a far cry from inventing the transistor and pioneering radio. Yep, NJ is still (for now) dead to tech. It reminds me of Columbus, Ohio, which used to be a big Internet and tech hub. Now, only burnt e…
When was Columbus, Ohio an internet and tech hub? Are you somehow referring to Batelle? https://www.battelle.org/about-us Genuinely curious. I used to live in Columbus and knew it mainly for retailers (Express, Limited Brands, etc.), insurance co's, hospitals, some other big co's like Cardinal Health, Batelle, and Ohio State University. Columbus is bucking the trend in Ohio and other places in the midwest because it'…
They were the home to CompuServe back in the day. FreeNet Columbus Ohio was an early WWW you could dial up to. UUNET had a big co-lo during the heyday, and there was a huge level3 POP.
Lucent Technologies had a big old lab off Bethel rd that I took intro to Unix classes when I was 13. And, of course, Batelle.
I worked for CallTech awhile when it was a startup and later bought by Teleperformance (remember Suzy Waud commercials??). And also I worked at Manta before the jig was up there.
I know about Covermymeds, but I wouldn't call it a tech company either. It's a glorified paper pushing app and I doubt anyone doing anything interesting would want to work there. Cbusr.com was actually pretty cool and one of the last things I remember being interesting in the social space, but hardly revolutionary. TechColumbus is also somewhat of a joke.
I know the downtown area has been growing, but I think thats just a function of millennials wanting to live in the short north/arena district and not in the burbs with their parents.
I do have a dream that one day I'll return to Columbus, seasoned white hair, and actually start a real tech company...
Re: Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
#134Earlier quoted context omitted.
Not with the insane property taxes and other regulatory friction. Highest property taxes in the country. It also has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country as well. Health insurance is also higher than in neighboring NYC (at least the last time I checked a few years ago.) All of the Democrat candidates for NJ governor want to raise taxes even more. NJ also has the most underfunded public pension syst…
"It's a fallacy that being in San Fran or NYC actually matters." If you want money, which let's be honest, is one of the most important things in this context, it highly does. All of the major VCs are in SF or NYC, and have shown very little desire to branch out from there. While we occasionally hear stories of a startup outside of those places doing well, it's generally the exception, not the rule.
I have to echo this.
You can start a company anywhere, but if you want to grow quickly, there are a few places where you can get the capital, infrastructure, community and talent quickly.
Re: Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
#135Why did Jet start here? Legitimate question.
I think the founder lived in Montclair, which is where they had their first office. As soon as they could move, they hiked over to Hoboken.
That helped them considerably as it allowed them to recruit people who lived in the city as it's just a few blocks from the Path station.
Had they set up shop anywhere else in NJ, it would have been difficult for them to hire as quickly as they did.
Re: Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
#136Earlier quoted context omitted.
When was Columbus, Ohio an internet and tech hub? Are you somehow referring to Batelle? https://www.battelle.org/about-us Genuinely curious. I used to live in Columbus and knew it mainly for retailers (Express, Limited Brands, etc.), insurance co's, hospitals, some other big co's like Cardinal Health, Batelle, and Ohio State University. Columbus is bucking the trend in Ohio and other places in the midwest because it'…
They were the home to CompuServe back in the day. FreeNet Columbus Ohio was an early WWW you could dial up to. UUNET had a big co-lo during the heyday, and there was a huge level3 POP. Lucent Technologies had a big old lab off Bethel rd that I took intro to Unix classes when I was 13. And, of course, Batelle. I worked for CallTech awhile when it was a startup and later bought by Teleperformance (remember Suzy Waud co…
Wow, I knew almost none of that! Thanks for the history. I hope you do make it back to Columbus one day to start that tech company.
Re: Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
#137I just stared an internship at Bell Labs Murray Hill. Growing up in Holmdel, I've been a fan of Bell Labs since childhood and feel so happy to be working here. The atmosphere and energy from all the amazing achievements is really palpable. Word is the acquisition of Alcatel Lucent by Nokia has really put Bell Labs back into the public spotlight. Excited to see what the future holds and I hope I can still be a part of…
Make sure you try the pizza at Coppola's at the bottom of Murray Hill on Central Ave.
Re: Before Silicon Valley, New Jersey Reigned As Nation's Center Of Innovation
#138Earlier quoted context omitted.
Thanks for the YouTube link: I enjoyed your talk.
Thank you, you've made my day!
Many moons ago, I wrote a story for Red Herring magazine(I think) about European attempts to create their own versions of the Valley, so I'd thought about some of the issues. If I had to redo it now, your talk would make it a better article ;-)