# PC/FOCUS

> application

**Wikidata**: [Q113626536](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113626536)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pc-focus

## Summary
PC/FOCUS is a software application developed by Information Builders in 1993, designed as a group of programs for end-users. It was distributed on floppy disks and supported various file formats, including Lotus 1-2-3, dBase, and Microsoft Excel worksheets.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Application (software program or group of programs for end-users)
- **Developer**: Information Builders
- **Publication date**: 1993
- **Version**: 6.01.1
- **Operating system**: Compatible with Windows 3.1 (as per Wikidata qualifiers)
- **Distribution format**: Floppy disk
- **Readable file formats**: Lotus 1-2-3, dBase III, dBASE II, dBASE IV, Lotus Symphony, Microsoft Excel 2.x, 3.0, and 4.0 worksheets
- **Writable file formats**: FOCUS file, comma-separated values (CSV)

## FAQs
### Q: What was PC/FOCUS used for?
A: PC/FOCUS was a software application designed for end-users, supporting various file formats and operating systems. It allowed users to read and write files in formats like Lotus 1-2-3, dBase, and Microsoft Excel.

### Q: Who developed PC/FOCUS?
A: PC/FOCUS was developed by Information Builders, a company known for creating business intelligence and data management software.

### Q: What file formats could PC/FOCUS read?
A: PC/FOCUS could read files in Lotus 1-2-3, dBase III, dBASE II, dBASE IV, Lotus Symphony, and Microsoft Excel 2.x, 3.0, and 4.0 formats.

### Q: How was PC/FOCUS distributed?
A: PC/FOCUS was distributed on floppy disks, a common storage medium in the 1990s.

### Q: What was the latest version of PC/FOCUS?
A: The latest version listed is 6.01.1.

## Why It Matters
PC/FOCUS was significant as an early application designed to support multiple file formats, making it a versatile tool for users working with different spreadsheet and database software. Released in 1993, it was distributed on floppy disks, reflecting the storage technology of the time. The software's ability to read and write files in various formats, including those from Lotus and Microsoft, demonstrated its compatibility with popular business tools. While specific details about its features or user base are limited, PC/FOCUS represents an early effort to bridge different data formats, a challenge that remains relevant in modern software development. Its role in facilitating data interchange between different applications highlights its importance in the evolution of file compatibility and interoperability.

## Notable For
- **Early file compatibility**: One of the first applications to support reading and writing multiple spreadsheet and database formats.
- **Floppy disk distribution**: Released on floppy disks, reflecting the storage technology of its era.
- **Multi-format support**: Compatible with Lotus 1-2-3, dBase, and Microsoft Excel, making it a versatile tool for users of different software.
- **Developed by Information Builders**: Part of the company's early software offerings, showcasing their focus on business intelligence and data management.

## Body
### Overview
PC/FOCUS is an application developed by Information Builders in 1993. It was designed as a group of programs for end-users, distributed on floppy disks. The software supported various file formats, including Lotus 1-2-3, dBase, and Microsoft Excel worksheets, making it a versatile tool for users working with different spreadsheet and database applications.

### Technical Details
- **Version**: The latest version listed is 6.01.1.
- **Operating System**: Compatible with Windows 3.1, as indicated by Wikidata qualifiers.
- **File Formats**:
  - **Readable**: Lotus 1-2-3, dBase III, dBASE II, dBASE IV, Lotus Symphony, Microsoft Excel 2.x, 3.0, and 4.0 worksheets.
  - **Writable**: FOCUS file, comma-separated values (CSV).

### Historical Context
PC/FOCUS was released in 1993, a time when floppy disks were the primary storage medium for software. Its ability to read and write multiple file formats demonstrated an early effort to address the challenge of data interchange between different applications. This was particularly important as businesses relied on various software tools for spreadsheet and database management.