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Borland Software Corporation was initially founded in 1983 with a primary focus on developing and selling software for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Answer: False
Explanation: Borland Software Corporation was founded in 1983 with a primary focus on developing and selling software development and deployment products, not ERP systems.
Philippe Kahn served as chairman, president, and CEO of Borland Inc. from its inception in 1983 until 1995.
Answer: True
Explanation: Philippe Kahn held these leadership roles at Borland Inc. for the specified period, from 1983 to 1995.
Borland's original name was 'Market In Time,' and the company adopted 'Borland' after acquiring it from a bankrupt Irish company.
Answer: True
Explanation: The company's initial name was 'Market In Time' (MIT), and the 'Borland' name was acquired from a bankrupt Irish company following a legal recommendation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
At Borland's incorporation, Philippe Kahn held the largest shareholding among the founders.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the time of incorporation, Niels Jensen held the largest shareholding with 250,000 shares, while Philippe Kahn held 80,000 shares.
Turbo Pascal, Borland's first product, was developed by Philippe Kahn.
Answer: False
Explanation: Borland's first product, Turbo Pascal, was developed by Anders Hejlsberg, not Philippe Kahn.
Sidekick was an early terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program for MS-DOS, offering features like a notebook and calculator.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sidekick was indeed an early and notable TSR program for MS-DOS, providing utility features such as a notebook and calculator.
All of Borland's early applications, including SuperKey and Lightning, were developed in the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: Borland's early applications, including SuperKey and Lightning, were developed in Denmark.
Borland's first U.S. initial public offering (IPO) in 1989 was led by Schroders as the lead investment banker.
Answer: False
Explanation: Borland's first U.S. IPO in 1989 was led by Goldman Sachs. Schroders was the lead investment banker for its 1986 London USM offering.
The acquisition of Analytica in 1985 brought the Reflex database product into Borland's portfolio, positioning it as a leader in personal computer software.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1985 acquisition of Analytica indeed added the Reflex database to Borland's offerings, contributing to its recognition as a leader in personal computer software by Forrester Research.
Adam Bosworth, a co-founder of Reflex, initiated the Quattro spreadsheet project at Borland before moving to Microsoft.
Answer: True
Explanation: Adam Bosworth, from the Analytica acquisition, initiated the Quattro spreadsheet project at Borland and later moved to Microsoft, where he oversaw the project that became Microsoft Access.
The acquisition of Wizard Systems in 1987 led to Niels Jensen and his team spinning off to form JPI due to divergence in compiler development.
Answer: True
Explanation: The acquisition of Wizard Systems and its integration into Turbo C caused a divergence with Niels Jensen's team, leading them to form Jensen & Partners International (JPI) to pursue their own compiler development.
In fiscal year 1987, Borland reported revenues exceeding $50 million.
Answer: False
Explanation: Borland reported a revenue of $29.2 million in fiscal year 1987, which did not exceed $50 million.
Borland acquired the Paradox database management tool through its acquisition of Ansa-Software in September 1987.
Answer: True
Explanation: The acquisition of Ansa-Software in September 1987 indeed brought the Paradox database management tool into Borland's product line.
Borland's 'no-nonsense license agreement' allowed users to make multiple copies of a program, provided only one copy was actively used at a time.
Answer: True
Explanation: This unique licensing approach allowed multiple copies but restricted active usage to a single instance, akin to a book.
Which of the following individuals was NOT a founder of Borland Software Corporation in 1983?
Answer: Anders Hejlsberg
Explanation: Niels Jensen, Philippe Kahn, and Mogens Glad were founders of Borland Software Corporation. Anders Hejlsberg was the key developer of Turbo Pascal but not a founder.
What was Borland's primary business focus upon its establishment in 1983?
Answer: Developing and selling software development and deployment products
Explanation: Borland's main business upon establishment was the development and sale of software development and deployment products.
Borland Ltd. was initially founded in Denmark in August 1981 to create products for which operating system?
Answer: CP/M
Explanation: Borland Ltd. was founded in Denmark in 1981 to create products such as Word Index for the CP/M operating system.
What was Borland's original name before it adopted 'Borland'?
Answer: Market In Time
Explanation: Borland's original name was MIT, an acronym for 'Market In Time'.
Why did Borland change its name from MIT?
Answer: Due to a legal recommendation after a letter from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Explanation: The name change from MIT was legally recommended after receiving a letter from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
At the time of Borland's incorporation, who held the most shares?
Answer: Niels Jensen
Explanation: Niels Jensen held the largest shareholding with 250,000 shares at the time of Borland's incorporation.
Who was the key developer of Borland's inaugural product, Turbo Pascal?
Answer: Anders Hejlsberg
Explanation: Anders Hejlsberg was the principal architect of Borland's first product, Turbo Pascal.
What was Turbo Pascal known as in Scandinavia before Borland acquired it?
Answer: Compas Pascal
Explanation: Before its acquisition by Borland, Turbo Pascal was known as Compas Pascal in Scandinavia.
What type of program was Borland's 'Sidekick' notable for being in the early MS-DOS era?
Answer: A terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program
Explanation: Sidekick was a prominent early terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program for MS-DOS, allowing it to run in the background.
Which of the following early Borland applications were developed in Denmark?
Answer: Turbo Pascal, Sidekick, SuperKey, and Lightning
Explanation: All of these early products—Turbo Pascal, Sidekick, SuperKey, and Lightning—were developed in Denmark.
Which financial institution served as the lead investment banker for Borland's first U.S. initial public offering (IPO) in 1989?
Answer: Goldman Sachs
Explanation: Goldman Sachs led Borland's first U.S. IPO in 1989.
What significant product did Borland gain through its acquisition of Analytica in 1985?
Answer: Reflex database
Explanation: The acquisition of Analytica in 1985 brought the Reflex database product into Borland's portfolio.
Which company was NOT identified as one of the 'Big Four' leaders in personal computer software by Forrester Research after Borland's acquisition of Analytica?
Answer: Apple Inc.
Explanation: Forrester Research identified Borland, Analytica, Ashton-Tate, Lotus Development, and Microsoft as the 'Big Four' leaders, with Apple Inc. not listed in this specific context.
Who initiated the Quattro spreadsheet project at Borland before eventually moving to Microsoft?
Answer: Adam Bosworth
Explanation: Adam Bosworth initiated the Quattro spreadsheet project at Borland before his transition to Microsoft.
What was the outcome for Niels Jensen and his team after Borland acquired Wizard Systems in 1987?
Answer: They spun off to form Jensen & Partners International (JPI).
Explanation: The acquisition of Wizard Systems led to a divergence that resulted in Niels Jensen and his team spinning off to form Jensen & Partners International (JPI).
What was Borland's reported revenue in fiscal year 1987?
Answer: $29.2 million
Explanation: Borland reported a revenue of $29.2 million in fiscal year 1987.
Which database management tool did Borland acquire in September 1987 by purchasing Ansa-Software?
Answer: Paradox
Explanation: Borland acquired the Paradox database management tool through its purchase of Ansa-Software in September 1987.
Borland's 'no-nonsense license agreement' allowed users to make multiple copies of a program under what condition?
Answer: Only one copy could be actively used at any given time
Explanation: The 'no-nonsense license agreement' permitted multiple copies but stipulated that only one copy could be actively used at any given time.
The U.S. Supreme Court's 4-4 tie vote in *Lotus Dev. Corp. v. Borland Int'l, Inc.* established a national legal precedent regarding software 'look and feel' copyright.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Supreme Court heard the case, the 4-4 tie vote meant the First Circuit Court's decision in Borland's favor stood, but it did not establish a national legal precedent.
Borland's acquisition of Ashton-Tate in 1991 led to Microsoft launching its own database product, Microsoft Access, in response.
Answer: True
Explanation: The acquisition of Ashton-Tate by Borland in 1991 indeed intensified competition, prompting Microsoft to launch Access and acquire FoxPro in response.
In the early 1990s, Microsoft's C and C++ compilers consistently outsold Borland's offerings.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the early 1990s, Borland's C and C++ compilers were more successful in sales than Microsoft's offerings.
The Ashton-Tate merger was highly successful, immediately providing Borland with a strong Windows-compatible version of dBASE.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ashton-Tate merger presented significant internal challenges, primarily due to the lack of a Windows-compatible version of dBASE, which was a major revenue earner.
By the mid-1990s, the developer community largely embraced dBASE for Windows upon its release, helping Borland regain market share.
Answer: False
Explanation: By the time dBASE for Windows was released, the developer community had largely shifted to competing products, preventing it from regaining market share.
Borland's continued focus on the technical aspects of its products helped it maintain market prominence in the mid-1990s, despite changing corporate purchasing trends.
Answer: False
Explanation: Borland's continued emphasis on technical aspects, rather than adapting to new corporate demands for standards and ROI, contributed to its decline in market prominence.
The 'Borland Office for Windows' suite, a collaboration with WordPerfect, successfully competed with Microsoft Office and gained significant market share.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite the alliance, 'Borland Office for Windows' failed to gain significant market share against Microsoft Office.
In October 1994, Borland sold its Quattro Pro spreadsheet and rights to Paradox to Novell, allowing it to refocus on development tools.
Answer: True
Explanation: This strategic divestiture allowed Borland to reorient its focus towards core software development tools and the Interbase database engine.
Philippe Kahn resigned from Borland in 1995 due to disagreements with the board regarding the company's strategic direction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Philippe Kahn's resignation in January 1995 was indeed a result of fundamental disagreements with the board of directors concerning the company's strategic focus.
Anders Hejlsberg led the development of the Delphi 1 rapid application development environment, launched in 1995.
Answer: True
Explanation: Anders Hejlsberg was the leader in the development of the Delphi 1 RAD environment, which was launched in 1995.
What was the outcome of the *Lotus Dev. Corp. v. Borland Int'l, Inc.* lawsuit regarding the 'look and feel' of Quattro Pro?
Answer: The First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Borland's favor, but the Supreme Court's tie vote prevented a national precedent.
Explanation: The First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Borland's favor, but the Supreme Court's 4-4 tie vote meant no national legal precedent was established.
What was Microsoft's response to Borland's acquisition of Ashton-Tate in 1991?
Answer: Microsoft launched its own database product, Access, and purchased FoxPro.
Explanation: Microsoft responded to Borland's Ashton-Tate acquisition by launching Access and purchasing FoxPro, intensifying competition in the database market.
How did Borland's C and C++ compilers compare to Microsoft's offerings in terms of sales in the early 1990s?
Answer: Borland's compilers were more successful in sales.
Explanation: In the early 1990s, Borland's C and C++ compilers achieved greater sales success than Microsoft's.
What was a significant internal challenge Borland faced after the Ashton-Tate merger?
Answer: Lack of a Windows-compatible version of dBASE
Explanation: A primary internal challenge after the Ashton-Tate merger was the absence of a Windows-compatible version of dBASE, Ashton-Tate's highest revenue earner.
Why did dBASE for Windows fail to regain its former market share in the mid-1990s?
Answer: The developer community had largely shifted to competing products like Clipper or FoxBase.
Explanation: By the time dBASE for Windows was released, the developer community had largely migrated to competing products, preventing it from regaining market share.
What was the primary reason for Borland's decline in market prominence in the mid-1990s regarding corporate software purchasing?
Answer: It failed to adapt to corporate demands for standards and clear return on investment.
Explanation: Borland's decline was largely due to its failure to adapt to the changing corporate software market, which increasingly demanded adherence to standards and clear return on investment.
What software suite resulted from Borland's 1993 alliance with WordPerfect to compete with Microsoft?
Answer: Borland Office for Windows
Explanation: The 1993 alliance with WordPerfect resulted in the 'Borland Office for Windows' suite, an attempt to compete with Microsoft Office.
What was the strategic outcome of Borland selling Quattro Pro and Paradox rights to Novell in October 1994?
Answer: It enabled Borland to focus on core software development tools and Interbase.
Explanation: This divestiture allowed Borland to strategically refocus on its core software development tools and the Interbase database engine.
Why did Philippe Kahn resign from his leadership roles at Borland in January 1995?
Answer: Disagreements with the board regarding the company's strategic focus.
Explanation: Philippe Kahn resigned in 1995 due to fundamental disagreements with the board of directors concerning the company's strategic direction.
Who led the development of the Delphi 1 rapid application development (RAD) environment, launched in 1995?
Answer: Anders Hejlsberg
Explanation: Anders Hejlsberg spearheaded the development of the Delphi 1 rapid application development (RAD) environment, launched in 1995.
Borland acquired Open Environment Corporation in 1996, a company founded by John J. Donovan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Borland acquired Open Environment Corporation in 1996, and it was indeed founded by John J. Donovan.
Del Yocam was appointed as Borland's CEO and chairman in late 1996.
Answer: True
Explanation: Del Yocam was appointed to these leadership positions on November 25, 1996.
In 1997, Borland sold all rights to its Paradox database product, including the Borland Database Engine (BDE).
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1997, Borland sold its Paradox database product to Corel but crucially retained all development rights for the core Borland Database Engine (BDE).
The name change to Inprise Corporation in 1998 was intended to signal a strategic refocusing towards consumer software.
Answer: False
Explanation: The rebranding to Inprise Corporation in 1998 was intended to signal a strategic refocusing towards enterprise applications development, not consumer software.
During the Inprise Corporation era, the dBASE product was sold to KSoft, Inc., which later rebranded as dBASE Inc.
Answer: True
Explanation: The dBASE product was indeed sold to KSoft, Inc. in March 1999 during the Inprise era, and KSoft later rebranded as dBASE Inc.
The proposed merger between Inprise and Corel in 2000 was abandoned due to a lack of clear strategic alignment and a decline in Corel's share value.
Answer: True
Explanation: The proposed merger was abandoned due to a decline in Corel's share value and the recognition that there was no clear strategic alignment between the companies.
In 2000, Borland released InterBase 6.0 as open-source software and successfully spun off the InterBase division into a separate company.
Answer: False
Explanation: While InterBase 6.0 was released as open-source, plans to spin off the division were abandoned due to disagreements on terms, and Borland subsequently focused on commercial versions.
Inprise Corporation reverted its name to Borland Software Corporation in the first quarter of 2001.
Answer: True
Explanation: Inprise Corporation announced its intention to revert to Borland Software Corporation in November 2000, with the process completed in the first quarter of 2001.
Under Dale L. Fuller, Borland launched Kylix in 2001, bringing its IDE expertise to the Linux operating system.
Answer: True
Explanation: Under CEO Dale L. Fuller, Borland indeed launched Kylix in 2001, extending its IDE capabilities to the Linux platform.
Delphi 6, released in 2001, was the first IDE to offer support for web services.
Answer: True
Explanation: Delphi 6, launched in 2001, achieved the significant milestone of being the first integrated development environment to support web services.
What strategic move did Borland make regarding its Paradox database product in 1997?
Answer: It sold Paradox to Corel but retained development rights for the Borland Database Engine (BDE).
Explanation: In 1997, Borland sold Paradox to Corel but critically retained all development rights for the core Borland Database Engine (BDE).
What was the strategic reasoning behind Borland International, Inc. changing its name to Inprise Corporation in April 1998?
Answer: To signal a refocusing towards enterprise applications development.
Explanation: The name change to Inprise Corporation in April 1998 was intended to signal a strategic refocusing towards enterprise applications development.
What happened to the dBASE product during the Inprise Corporation era?
Answer: It was sold to KSoft, Inc., which later rebranded as dBASE Inc.
Explanation: During the Inprise Corporation era, the dBASE product was sold to KSoft, Inc., which subsequently rebranded as dBASE Inc.
What was Borland's strategy regarding InterBase after abandoning open-source releases in 2000?
Answer: To focus on rapidly developing and selling new commercial versions of InterBase.
Explanation: After abandoning open-source releases, Borland shifted its strategy to rapidly developing and selling new commercial versions of InterBase.
When did Inprise Corporation revert its name to Borland Software Corporation?
Answer: First quarter of 2001
Explanation: Inprise Corporation completed its name change back to Borland Software Corporation in the first quarter of 2001.
Under CEO Dale L. Fuller, what new product did Borland launch in 2001 for the Linux operating system?
Answer: Kylix
Explanation: Under CEO Dale L. Fuller, Borland launched Kylix in 2001, extending its IDE expertise to the Linux operating system.
What significant technological milestone did Delphi 6 achieve in 2001?
Answer: It was the first IDE to offer support for web services.
Explanation: Delphi 6, released in 2001, was the first integrated development environment (IDE) to provide support for web services.
Borland's C#Builder was integrated with Delphi for Win32 and Delphi for .NET into 'Borland Developer Studio' by 2005.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 2005, C#Builder, Delphi for Win32, and Delphi for .NET were indeed integrated into the comprehensive 'Borland Developer Studio' IDE.
In late 2002, Borland acquired TogetherSoft and Starbase, integrating their tools into JBuilder and Delphi.
Answer: True
Explanation: Borland acquired TogetherSoft and Starbase in late 2002, and their tools were subsequently integrated into Borland's JBuilder and Delphi development environments.
Tod Nielsen became Borland's CEO in November 2005 and remained in that role until the company's acquisition by Micro Focus.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tod Nielsen became CEO in November 2005 but departed in January 2009, prior to the Micro Focus acquisition, to join VMware.
In 2007, Borland relocated its corporate headquarters to Austin, Texas, as part of a rebranding effort focused on open application life-cycle management (ALM).
Answer: True
Explanation: Borland indeed relocated its headquarters to Austin, Texas, in 2007, coinciding with a rebranding initiative emphasizing open ALM.
Borland acquired Leaders in October 2005 to integrate its Tempo IT management and governance suite.
Answer: True
Explanation: Borland acquired Leaders in October 2005 with the specific aim of integrating its Tempo IT management and governance suite.
In February 2006, Borland announced it would divest its IDE division and acquire Segue Software to focus on ALM.
Answer: True
Explanation: This announcement in February 2006 marked a significant strategic shift towards focusing on application life-cycle management (ALM) through divestiture of IDEs and acquisition of Segue Software.
Borland acquired Gauntlet Systems in March 2006, a company specializing in software quality and security screening.
Answer: True
Explanation: Borland acquired Gauntlet Systems in March 2006, a company known for its technology in screening software for quality and security issues.
CodeGear was created in November 2006 as a wholly owned subsidiary responsible for Borland's enterprise application development tools.
Answer: False
Explanation: CodeGear was created as a wholly owned subsidiary responsible for Borland's developer tools group, specifically four distinct IDE product lines, not just enterprise application development tools.
Borland sold its CodeGear division to Embarcadero Technologies in May 2008 for $23 million.
Answer: True
Explanation: Borland announced the sale of its CodeGear division to Embarcadero Technologies in May 2008 for $23 million.
By 2005, which three development tools were integrated into 'Borland Developer Studio'?
Answer: C#Builder, Delphi for Win32, and Delphi for .NET
Explanation: By 2005, C#Builder, Delphi for Win32, and Delphi for .NET were integrated into the 'Borland Developer Studio' IDE.
Which two companies did Borland acquire in late 2002 to enhance its product offerings?
Answer: TogetherSoft and Starbase
Explanation: In late 2002, Borland acquired TogetherSoft and Starbase to expand its product offerings, integrating their tools into JBuilder and Delphi.
Who served as interim president and chief executive officer of Borland after Dale Fuller resigned in July 2005?
Answer: Scott Arnold
Explanation: Scott Arnold, the former COO, served as interim president and chief executive officer after Dale Fuller's resignation in July 2005.
What was the focus of Borland's new branding unveiled in early 2007?
Answer: Open application life-cycle management (ALM)
Explanation: Borland's new branding in early 2007 emphasized its strategic focus on open application life-cycle management (ALM).
What was the purpose of Borland's acquisition of Leaders in October 2005?
Answer: To integrate its Tempo IT management and governance suite.
Explanation: Borland acquired Leaders in October 2005 specifically to integrate its Tempo IT management and governance suite.
In February 2006, Borland announced the divestiture of its IDE division and its intention to acquire which company?
Answer: Segue Software
Explanation: In February 2006, Borland announced the divestiture of its IDE division and its intention to acquire Segue Software as part of a strategic shift to ALM.
Which company specializing in software quality and security did Borland acquire in March 2006?
Answer: Gauntlet Systems
Explanation: Borland acquired Gauntlet Systems in March 2006, a company specializing in technology for screening software for quality and security issues.
What was the name of the wholly owned subsidiary created by Borland in November 2006 for its developer tools group?
Answer: CodeGear
Explanation: In November 2006, Borland created CodeGear as a wholly owned subsidiary to manage its developer tools group.
To whom did Borland sell its CodeGear division in May 2008?
Answer: Embarcadero Technologies
Explanation: Borland sold its CodeGear division to Embarcadero Technologies in May 2008.
Borland's headquarters moved from Scotts Valley, California, to Cupertino, California, and eventually to Austin, Texas, before its acquisition by Micro Focus International plc.
Answer: True
Explanation: The company's headquarters indeed followed this progression, culminating in Austin, Texas, before its acquisition by Micro Focus International plc.
Borland was acquired by Micro Focus for $75 million, with the transaction finalized in late July 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: Borland was acquired by Micro Focus for $75 million, and the acquisition was finalized in late July 2009.
After Micro Focus integrated the Attachmate Group in 2015, Borland's products were spun off into a new independent entity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the integration of the Attachmate Group in 2015, Borland's products were absorbed and became part of the broader Micro Focus portfolio, not spun off.
The Silk line of products, including Silk Central, Silk Performer, and Silk Test, were developed internally by Borland.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Silk line of products was acquired from Segue Software, not developed internally by Borland.
Borland had an unreleased software product called Turbo Modula-2, which was later sold commercially by TopSpeed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Borland's unreleased Turbo Modula-2 was indeed later sold commercially by TopSpeed as TopSpeed Modula-2.
*CB Magazine* was a publication by Borland Japan that was republished in 1997.
Answer: True
Explanation: *CB Magazine* was an official publication by Borland Japan and was republished on April 3, 1997.
Frank Borland, the company mascot, first appeared in 1984 in advertisements and on the cover of the Sidekick 1.0 manual.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frank Borland, the mascot, made his debut in 1984 in advertisements and on the Sidekick 1.0 manual cover.
What was the final headquarters location for Borland before it became a full subsidiary of Micro Focus International plc?
Answer: Austin, Texas
Explanation: Borland's headquarters moved to Austin, Texas, before its acquisition by Micro Focus International plc.
Who acquired Micro Focus, including Borland, in 2023?
Answer: OpenText
Explanation: As of 2023, Micro Focus, and consequently Borland, was acquired by the Canadian firm OpenText.
What was the acquisition price for Borland by Micro Focus in 2009?
Answer: $75 million
Explanation: Borland was acquired by Micro Focus for $75 million, with shareholders approving the transaction at $1.50 per share.
What happened to Borland's products after Micro Focus integrated the Attachmate Group in 2015?
Answer: They became part of the broader Micro Focus portfolio.
Explanation: Following the integration of the Attachmate Group in 2015, Borland's products were absorbed into the broader Micro Focus portfolio.
Which of the following is a product offered by Borland that was acquired from Segue Software?
Answer: Silk Test
Explanation: The Silk line of products, including Silk Test, was acquired from Segue Software.
What unreleased Borland software product was later sold commercially by TopSpeed?
Answer: Turbo Modula-2
Explanation: Borland's unreleased Turbo Modula-2 was later sold commercially by TopSpeed as TopSpeed Modula-2.
What was *CB Magazine*?
Answer: An official publication by Borland Japan.
Explanation: *CB Magazine* was an official publication produced by Borland Japan.
When did Frank Borland, the company mascot, first appear?
Answer: 1984, in advertisements and on the Sidekick 1.0 manual
Explanation: Frank Borland, the company mascot, first appeared in 1984 in advertisements and on the cover of the Sidekick 1.0 manual.