Date of Birth: February 20, 1926
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: February 6, 2011
Biography
Ken Olsen was an American engineer and businessman, best known for co-founding the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1957, which played a pivotal role in the development of the computer industry. Born in Stratford, Connecticut, Olsen earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Under his leadership, DEC became a major player in the computer industry, especially known for its pioneering work in developing minicomputers. Olsen’s contributions to the field of computing were recognized with numerous awards, including the National Medal of Technology. Despite his significant achievements, DEC eventually struggled in the face of the personal computer revolution, leading to its acquisition by Compaq in 1998. Ken Olsen’s vision and leadership left a lasting impact on the technology landscape.
5 Interesting Facts about Ken Olsen
1. Ken Olsen co-founded Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) with Harlan Anderson in 1957.
2. DEC’s PDP series of minicomputers were extremely influential in the computing industry.
3. Olsen was named by Fortune magazine as “America’s most successful entrepreneur” in 1986.
4. He received the IEEE Founders Medal in 1978.
5. Despite his success, Olsen famously underestimated the personal computer market, once stating, “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ken Olsen
1. “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”
2. “Innovation is the key to success in the technology industry.”
3. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
4. “If you hire people who are smarter than you, you prove you are smarter than they are.”
5. “We must continually challenge the status quo and strive to improve.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Ken Olsen’s net worth was estimated to be around $200 million.
Children
Ken Olsen had three children with his wife Aulikki: Glenn Olsen, Ann-Lis Olsen, and James Olsen.
Relevant Links
1. [MIT Technology Review – Ken Olsen](https://www.technologyreview.com/s/422076/ken-olsen/
2. [New York Times Obituary](https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/business/08olsen.html
3. [IEEE Global History Network](https://ethw.org/Ken_Olsen
4. [Computer History Museum – Ken Olsen](https://computerhistory.org/profile/ken-olsen/
