# Perihelion Software

> United Kingdom company founded in 1986

**Wikidata**: [Q4046680](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4046680)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perihelion_Software)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/perihelion-software

## Summary
Perihelion Software was a United Kingdom-based software company founded in 1986 by Jack Lang. The company developed the HeliOS computer operating system before being dissolved in 1998.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1986 in the United Kingdom
- Founded by Jack Lang, who later co-founded the Raspberry Pi Foundation
- Dissolved in December 1998
- Developed the HeliOS computer operating system
- Specialized as a software company in the software industry
- Headquartered in the United Kingdom
- Has ISNI identifier: 0000000121863452
- Has VIAF ID: 151985695

## FAQs
### Q: What was Perihelion Software's main product?
A: Perihelion Software's main product was HeliOS, a computer operating system developed by the company during its operation from 1986 to 1998.

### Q: When was Perihelion Software founded and when did it cease operations?
A: Perihelion Software was founded in 1986 and dissolved in December 1998, operating for approximately 12 years.

### Q: Who founded Perihelion Software and what was their significance?
A: Perihelion Software was founded by Jack Lang, a British entrepreneur and computer scientist who later became known as a co-founder of the Raspberry Pi Foundation and a significant figure in computing education.

## Why It Matters
Perihelion Software represents a notable chapter in UK computing history during the formative years of personal computer development. Founded during the emergence of the UK software industry, the company contributed to the technological landscape by developing HeliOS, a computer operating system. The career trajectory of its founder Jack Lang adds historical significance, as he transitioned from this early software venture to becoming a pioneering figure in computing education through the Raspberry Pi Foundation. This connection highlights the evolution of computing innovation from commercial software development to educational impact in the UK.

## Notable For
- Founded by Jack Lang, who later co-founded the Raspberry Pi Foundation
- Developed HeliOS, a computer operating system with a dedicated Wikipedia entry
- Had a business relationship with Atari involving Transputer technology
- Was one of the UK's software companies operating during the critical 1986-1998 period in computing history
- Maintained operations entirely within the United Kingdom without international expansion

## Body
### Company Overview
Perihelion Software was a software company operating in the United Kingdom from its founding in 1986 until its dissolution in December 1998. The company specialized in the software industry and maintained its headquarters in the UK throughout its existence.

### Founding and Leadership
The company was founded in 1986 by Jack Lang, a British entrepreneur and computer scientist. Lang's background as both an entrepreneur and computer scientist positioned Perihelion Software at the intersection of technical development and business innovation.

### Products and Technology
Perihelion Software's primary product was HeliOS, a computer operating system that gained enough recognition to receive its own Wikipedia entry. The company also engaged in business relationships with major technology companies, including a notable partnership with Atari involving Transputer technology in 1987.

### Legacy and Impact
Despite being dissolved in 1998, Perihelion Software's legacy extends through its founder Jack Lang, who later co-founded the Raspberry Pi Foundation and became a significant figure in computing education. This connection represents a continuum of technological innovation from commercial software development to educational computing initiatives in the UK.

### Recognition and Documentation
Perihelion Software is recognized in multiple authoritative databases and has been documented in various languages, with Wikipedia entries in both English and Russian. The company maintains an ISNI identifier (0000000121863452) and has a VIAF ID (151985695), indicating its place in the broader landscape of documented technology companies.

## References

1. The hi-tech new wave. The Times. 1986
2. [BRITISH NEWCOMER PERIHELION WINS ATARI TRANSPUTER PACT. Tech Monitor. 1987](https://techmonitor.ai/technology/british_newcomer_perihelion_wins_atari_transputer_pact)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File