Bruce Bastian, co-founder of the once-dominant word processing software WordPerfect, passed away on June 16, 2024, at the age of 76. While WordPerfect itself eventually fell victim to Microsoft‘s aggressive business tactics in the 1990s, its legacy lives on in the features and functionality we take for granted in today’s word processors.

Bastian’s journey with WordPerfect began in 1979, alongside fellow student Alan Ashton, at Brigham Young University. Back then, they were simply students working on a project – the first version of WordPerfect – for a Data General minicomputer. Recognizing the potential of their creation, they retained the rights to the software and co-founded Satellite Software International (SSI) that same year to bring it to market.

In 1982, they ported WordPerfect to the burgeoning IBM PC platform, a crucial move that would shape the landscape of word processing for years to come. Bastian, the coding mastermind behind the project, opted for x86 assembly language for the initial versions, resulting in a program known for its blazing speed compared to competitors. This speed advantage, coupled with its extensive printer driver support (shipped on additional floppy disks!), propelled WordPerfect to the top of the word processing world by 1986. Notably, WordPerfect found a strong niche in the legal field, a testament to its functionality and user-friendliness.

The dominance of WordPerfect was so complete that competitors like Microsoft Word were forced to play catch-up. They incorporated features mimicking WordPerfect’s keyboard shortcuts and minimalist interface, a clear sign of its influence. However, the tide began to turn with the rise of Microsoft Windows in the 1990s. Here, Microsoft employed some questionable tactics: they deliberately withheld access to Windows APIs from WordPerfect, hindering its adaptation to the new platform. Additionally, many of WordPerfect’s strengths, like its vast printer driver library, became less relevant as Windows offered wider compatibility.

Faced with a rapidly changing landscape, Bastian and Ashton attempted to counter Microsoft’s growing dominance. They initially partnered with Novell and Borland, with Novell’s CEO, Ray Noorda, particularly motivated to challenge Bill Gates and Microsoft. This partnership ultimately led to the sale of WordPerfect to Novell in 1994 for a staggering $1.4 billion. Unfortunately, Novell’s efforts to compete with Microsoft Office proved unsuccessful, and they eventually sold WordPerfect to Corel (now Alludo) in 1996. Believe it or not, Alludo continues to develop and sell WordPerfect to this day, alongside other well-known tech brands like Parallels, PaintShop Pro, and WinZip.

Following the sale to Novell, Bastian and Ashton pursued different paths. Bastian, a man of great generosity, dedicated himself to philanthropic causes. Notably, he became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ and human rights issues later in life.

Bruce Bastian’s legacy extends far beyond the software he co-founded. He was a pioneer who helped shape the way we interact with computers and create documents. While WordPerfect itself may not be as ubiquitous today, its impact is undeniable, evident in the features and functionalities we use every day.