# SoftKey

> publisher and distributor of CD-ROM based personal computer software

**Wikidata**: [Q4882395](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4882395)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftKey)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/softkey

## Summary
SoftKey was a publisher and distributor of CD-ROM based personal computer software, founded by Kevin O'Leary. The company specialized in educational software and operated as a software company in the broader software industry.

## Key Facts
- Founded by Kevin O'Leary.
- Subsidiary of WordStar.
- Produced educational software for CD-ROM platforms.
- Instance of a software company.
- Operated with 2 Wikipedia language editions (Commons and English).
- Managed viaf_id 142192919 and freebase_id /m/0dqj_h.
- Logo available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/SoftKey_wordmark.svg.

## FAQs
### Q: What was SoftKey's primary focus?  
A: SoftKey specialized in publishing and distributing CD-ROM based educational software for personal computers.

### Q: Who founded SoftKey?  
A: SoftKey was founded by Kevin O'Leary.

### Q: What companies did SoftKey own?  
A: SoftKey owned WordStar as its subsidiary.

### Q: What types of software did SoftKey produce?  
A: The company produced educational software distributed via CD-ROM.

## Why It Matters
SoftKey played a role in the early adoption of CD-ROM technology for software distribution, particularly in the educational sector. By focusing on CD-ROM-based products, it capitalized on the shift from floppy disks to higher-capacity storage, enabling richer multimedia educational content. Its ownership of WordStar also positioned it in the competitive word processing market. Founded by Kevin O'Leary—who later gained broader recognition—it exemplifies early 1990s software entrepreneurship in educational distribution and CD-ROM transition.

## Notable For
- Founded by Kevin O'Leary, later known for his role on Shark Tank.
- Pioneered CD-ROM-based educational software distribution.
- Acquired WordStar, extending its reach into word processing.
- Operated as a specialized software company focused on CD-ROM media.
- Maintained a niche in educational software production during the CD-ROM era.

## Body
### Overview
SoftKey functioned as a publisher and distributor of CD-ROM based personal computer software. It operated within the software industry, primarily targeting educational content.

### Founding and Leadership
- Founded by Kevin O'Leary, who later became widely recognized as a television personality and entrepreneur.
- Registered under the instance_of property as a "software company."

### Products and Business Model
- Core product: Educational software distributed via CD-ROM.
- Business focus: Publishing and distributing CD-ROM based software for personal computers.
- Subsidiary owned: WordStar.

### Identifiers and Classification
- VIAF ID: 142192919
- Freebase ID: /m/0dqj_h
- Commons category: SoftKey
- Sitelink count: 2 (across Wikipedia editions in English and Commons)