# Alan Ashton

> American businessman

**Wikidata**: [Q92713](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q92713)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_C._Ashton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alan-ashton

## Summary
Alan Ashton is an American businessman and computer scientist best known as the co-founder and CEO of WordPerfect Corporation, a pioneering word processing software company. He was born in 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has made significant contributions to the field of information technology.

## Biography
- Born: May 7, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Utah
- Known for: Co-founding WordPerfect Corporation and pioneering word processing software
- Employer(s): Brigham Young University, WordPerfect Corporation (co-founder, president, CEO), Thanksgiving Point (founder), Novell (board member 1994-1996)
- Field(s): Computer science, business, software development

## Contributions
Alan Ashton co-founded WordPerfect Corporation in 1979, which became one of the most successful word processing software companies of the 1980s and early 1990s. As CEO, he led the development and marketing of WordPerfect, which dominated the word processing market for many years. The software was particularly popular in the legal and academic communities due to its advanced features and compatibility with various computer systems. Under Ashton's leadership, WordPerfect Corporation grew to become a major player in the software industry, eventually being acquired by Novell in 1994 for $1.4 billion. Ashton's work in developing user-friendly word processing software helped shape the way people create and edit documents on computers, influencing the evolution of modern word processing applications.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Alan Ashton best known for?
A: Alan Ashton is best known for co-founding WordPerfect Corporation and serving as its CEO, leading the development of one of the most successful word processing software programs of the 1980s and early 1990s.

### Q: Where did Alan Ashton receive his education?
A: Alan Ashton was educated at the University of Utah.

### Q: What other companies has Alan Ashton been involved with?
A: Besides WordPerfect Corporation, Alan Ashton has been involved with Brigham Young University as an educator, founded Thanksgiving Point, and served on the board of directors at Novell from 1994 to 1996.

## Why They Matter
Alan Ashton's work with WordPerfect Corporation had a profound impact on the software industry and how people interact with computers. By creating a powerful yet user-friendly word processing program, Ashton helped democratize document creation and editing, making it accessible to a wide range of users. WordPerfect's success paved the way for the widespread adoption of personal computers in offices and homes, contributing to the digital revolution of the late 20th century. Ashton's leadership in the software industry also influenced the development of future word processing applications and set standards for user interface design. His entrepreneurial success story continues to inspire aspiring tech entrepreneurs and demonstrates the potential for innovation in the software sector.

## Notable For
- Co-founding WordPerfect Corporation in 1979
- Serving as CEO of WordPerfect Corporation during its peak success
- Developing one of the most popular word processing software programs of the 1980s and early 1990s
- Being a Distinguished Eagle Scout Award recipient
- Founding Thanksgiving Point, a non-profit farm, garden, and museum complex in Lehi, Utah

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Alan Ashton was born on May 7, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He pursued his higher education at the University of Utah, where he likely developed his interest in computer science and technology.

### Career at WordPerfect Corporation
In 1979, Ashton co-founded Satellite Software International, which later became WordPerfect Corporation. The company's flagship product, WordPerfect, quickly gained popularity due to its advanced features and compatibility with various computer systems. Under Ashton's leadership as CEO, WordPerfect became the dominant word processing software in the 1980s and early 1990s, particularly in the legal and academic sectors.

### Impact on the Software Industry
WordPerfect's success under Ashton's guidance contributed significantly to the growth of the software industry in the 1980s. The company's innovative approach to word processing software set new standards for functionality and user experience, influencing the development of future word processing applications.

### Post-WordPerfect Ventures
After the acquisition of WordPerfect by Novell in 1994, Ashton continued his involvement in the tech industry. He served on Novell's board of directors from 1994 to 1996, contributing his expertise to the company's strategic decisions.

### Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Ashton founded Thanksgiving Point, a non-profit organization in Lehi, Utah, which includes a farm, garden, and museum complex. This venture demonstrates his commitment to education and community development beyond the tech industry.

### Personal Life
Ashton is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has 11 children. He is also the grandson of David O. McKay, a prominent figure in the LDS Church.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.wsj.com/tech/bruce-bastian-wordperfect-lgbtq-activist-dies-at-76-6da293f4)
2. Quora