Note
Historical Context
Initial Release: Harvard Graphics began in 1986 as Harvard Presentation Graphics for MS-DOS.
It was one of the first desktop business applications that allowed users to combine text, charts, and graphics into slideshow presentations1.
Version 3.0 was released in 1991 for Windows 3.0, marking a shift from DOS to the graphical Windows environment2.
Key Features of Harvard Graphics v3.0
Graphing and Plotting Tools: Users could create a wide range of charts and graphs from imported spreadsheet data (e.g., Lotus 1-2-3).
Presentation Creation: It allowed integration of text and graphics into slides, suitable for business presentations.
Improved Editing: Version 3.0 introduced better drawing tools and color features compared to earlier versions1.
Export Capabilities: Supported formats like Encapsulated PostScript and Computer Graphics Metafile for use in other applications.
Compatibility: Ran on Windows 3.0 and was distributed on 3.5" floppy disks, with a file size around 14MB3.
Decline and Legacy
Despite its early dominance (once holding up to 70% market share), Harvard Graphics lost ground to Microsoft PowerPoint, especially after PowerPoint was bundled with Microsoft Office1.
SPC sold marketing rights to Serif in 1996, which continued development until the product was discontinued in 2017.
Today, Harvard Graphics is remembered as a pioneering tool in the evolution of business presentation software.