did Apple really invent Excel?

So I was at the bar the other night passionately debating the Apple vs. Microsoft business laptop purchase rationale (yes, I really do need to get a life) when my friend said:

Go with Apple - they actually invented Excel for Microsoft.

Uhm, what?!?!?  I leapt off the bar stool and started shouting.  Those were fighting words (especially for someone who spends her entire life in an excel workbook).  Threats were uttered.  Dares made.  Could it be true?

Time for a history lesson…

VisiCalc was the first ever spreadsheet program for personal computers and was brought to us by Software Arts (inventors Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston) in 1979.  Now, to be fair to my friend, originally it was only available on the Apple II computer so you could argue that VisiCalc is what propelled Apple into the business realm.  VisiCalc was eventually sold to Lotus Development Corporation in 1985 and incorporated into Lotus 1-2-3 (originally released in 1983 for the IBM/PC DOS operating system).  And in an even weirder twist I did not know Microsoft Excel was originally written for the Apple Macintosh (in 1985) and then the Windows (PC) version came out in 1987.

So, did Apple really invent Excel?  No. 

But you could argue that the Apple platform promoted spreadsheet usage in the early days.  Or that spreadsheet applications solved a business problem and therefore promoted personal computer sales.

Well, Mr. Binnie, what was that about dropping trow and kissing a**?  I’m ready for our next rematch - armed with research.

As an aside, if you are a spreadsheet geek, Dan Bricklin’s website provides his version of the history of VisiCalc and it’s quite cool.  I love the photo’s.

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UPDATE:  Mr. Binnie has reminded me, in the light of day, that he actually said:

Microsoft originally built excel for apple

So clearly the drink morphed the statement.  But it was fun nonetheless doing the research.  Thanks!