Paul Gardner Allen (21st January 1953 – 15th October 2018) was an American technologist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who co-founded Microsoft Corporation with Bill Gates in 1975. As the technical visionary behind Microsoft’s early success, Allen played a crucial role in launching the personal computer software industry and establishing the foundation for modern computing.
Early Life and Technical Passion
Growing Up in Seattle
Born in Seattle, Washington, Allen developed an early fascination with technology and science:
Family Background:
- Kenneth Allen: Father worked as an associate director at University of Washington library
- Faye Allen: Mother was a teacher
- Middle-class upbringing: Emphasis on education and intellectual curiosity
- Pacific Northwest roots: Lifelong connection to Seattle area
Lakeside School Partnership
At exclusive Lakeside School, Allen met Bill Gates and discovered computing:
The Computer Discovery:
- Teletype terminal: Access to PDP-10 mainframe computer
- Programming fascination: Immediately drawn to computer capabilities
- Partnership with Gates: Two-year age difference but shared passion
- Technical leadership: Often the hardware expert in their collaboration
Early Projects:
- Computer Centre Corporation: Debugging software for computer time
- Lakeside Programming Group: Business venture with classmates
- Traffic analysis: Early attempt at data processing business
- Technical exploration: Understanding both hardware and software
The Microsoft Founding
The Altair Vision
In 1975, Allen saw the Altair 8800 computer on the cover of Popular Electronics:
The Moment of Recognition:
- Personal computer potential: Realised computers would become widespread
- Software opportunity: Machines needed programming languages
- Urgency: Convinced Gates they had to act immediately
- Harvard visit: Persuaded Gates to drop out and start company
Creating Altair BASIC
Allen and Gates worked intensively to create their BASIC interpreter:
Technical Challenge:
- Memory constraints: Had to fit BASIC in 4KB of RAM
- No hardware: Developed using Harvard’s PDP-10 mainframe
- Emulator creation: Built Altair simulator to test code
- Time pressure: MITS expected immediate delivery
Historic Demonstration:
- Albuquerque flight: Allen flew to demonstrate BASIC
- Perfect execution: Program worked flawlessly on first attempt
- Licensing success: MITS agreed to distribute their BASIC
- Industry birth: Moment that launched commercial software industry
Establishing Microsoft
Allen was instrumental in Microsoft’s formation and early strategy:
Company Creation:
- Name selection: Allen coined “Microsoft” (microcomputer + software)
- Partnership structure: 60% Gates, 40% Allen ownership split
- Technical leadership: Allen focused on product development
- Strategic vision: Anticipated growth of personal computer market
Early Products:
- Multiple BASIC versions: Adapted for different microprocessors
- Languages portfolio: FORTRAN, COBOL, and Pascal interpreters
- Hardware partnerships: Working with emerging computer manufacturers
- Technical innovation: Optimising software for limited hardware capabilities
Technical Contributions and Vision
Hardware Understanding
Allen’s deep technical knowledge complemented Gates’ business acumen:
Technical Expertise:
- Processor architecture: Understood capabilities of different CPUs
- Memory management: Optimised software for memory-constrained systems
- Hardware trends: Anticipated improvements in processing power and storage
- System integration: Saw how hardware and software worked together
Software Development Philosophy
Allen established principles that guided Microsoft’s early development:
Design Principles:
- Efficiency: Maximum functionality from limited resources
- Portability: Software that could run on multiple hardware platforms
- User accessibility: Making computers usable by non-technical people
- Performance optimisation: Speed and responsiveness as priorities
Development Approach:
- Direct programming: Hands-on coding and debugging
- Quality focus: Rigorous testing and refinement
- Documentation: Clear instructions for users and developers
- Continuous improvement: Regular updates and feature enhancements
The IBM PC Era
Operating System Strategy
When IBM approached Microsoft about an operating system, Allen was crucial to the response:
Strategic Decisions:
- QDOS acquisition: Identified and recommended purchasing 86-DOS
- Licensing terms: Helped negotiate non-exclusive rights with IBM
- Technical adaptation: Oversaw modification for IBM PC hardware
- Market vision: Anticipated PC-compatible computer market
Platform Development
Allen understood the importance of building a software platform:
Platform Strategy:
- Developer tools: Creating programming languages for PC
- Application support: Encouraging third-party software development
- Standards establishment: Defining how PC software should work
- Ecosystem thinking: Building communities around Microsoft products
Health Challenges and Departure
Cancer Diagnosis
In 1982, Allen was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma:
Life-Changing Moment:
- Medical treatment: Required radiation therapy and recovery time
- Priority reassessment: Reconsidered what was truly important
- Microsoft tension: Disagreements with Gates about company direction
- Departure decision: Left Microsoft operations in 1983
Maintaining Connection
Despite leaving day-to-day operations, Allen remained connected to Microsoft:
Ongoing Relationship:
- Board membership: Served on Microsoft board until 2000
- Stock ownership: Retained significant equity stake
- Advisory role: Consulted on technical and strategic decisions
- Wealth creation: Microsoft stock made him one of world’s richest people
Post-Microsoft Ventures
Vulcan Inc.
In 1986, Allen founded Vulcan Inc. to manage his investments and projects:
Investment Philosophy:
- Technology focus: Early-stage technology companies
- Long-term vision: Patient capital for breakthrough innovations
- Scientific advancement: Funding research with societal impact
- Personal passion: Projects aligned with Allen’s interests
Notable Investments:
- Charter Communications: Cable television and internet services
- DreamWorks: Entertainment and animation studio
- SpaceShipOne: Private spacecraft development
- Brain research: Neuroscience and artificial intelligence
Scientific Philanthropy
Allen became a major force in scientific research funding:
Allen Institute for Brain Science (2003):
- $500 million commitment: Largest private investment in neuroscience
- Open science: Making research data freely available
- Brain mapping: Creating detailed maps of brain structure and function
- Technology development: Advanced tools for neuroscience research
Other Scientific Initiatives:
- Allen Institute for Cell Science: Understanding cellular mechanisms
- Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence: AI2 research organisation
- SETI funding: Supporting search for extraterrestrial intelligence
- Climate research: Studying environmental challenges and solutions
Technology and Innovation Projects
Stratolaunch Systems
Allen’s most ambitious aerospace project:
Vision:
- Air-launched rockets: More flexible satellite deployment
- World’s largest aircraft: Twin-fuselage design with 385-foot wingspan
- Commercial space access: Reducing costs of reaching orbit
- Technical achievement: Successfully flew in 2019
Living Computer Museum
Allen’s passion for preserving computing history:
Museum Mission:
- Working computers: Operational vintage systems
- Interactive experience: Visitors could use historical computers
- Educational programs: Teaching computing history and programming
- Research facility: Studying evolution of computer technology
Patent Portfolio
Allen accumulated significant intellectual property:
Innovation Areas:
- User interface: Improvements to graphical interfaces
- Multimedia: Technologies for combining text, audio, and video
- Internet search: Early work on web search algorithms
- Mobile computing: Patents related to smartphone capabilities
Sports and Entertainment
Professional Sports Ownership
Allen’s love for his hometown extended to sports:
Seattle Seahawks (1997-2018):
- NFL franchise: Purchased to keep team in Seattle
- Stadium development: Built state-of-the-art CenturyLink Field
- Community investment: Strengthened Seattle’s sports culture
- Winning tradition: Team won Super Bowl XLVIII
Portland Trail Blazers (1988-2018):
- NBA franchise: Longest-tenured owner in team history
- Player development: Focused on building competitive teams
- Community engagement: Supported Portland-area initiatives
- Arena improvements: Upgraded facilities for fans and players
Arts and Culture
Allen supported cultural institutions and projects:
Music and Arts:
- Experience Music Project: Interactive music museum (now MoPOP)
- Guitar collection: Extensive collection of rare instruments
- Film production: Supported independent and documentary films
- Cultural preservation: Protecting and sharing artistic heritage
Personal Characteristics and Philosophy
Intellectual Curiosity
Allen was known for his broad interests and continuous learning:
Diverse Passions:
- Science fiction: Lifelong reader of sci-fi literature
- Music: Accomplished guitarist and music enthusiast
- History: Particularly interested in military and aviation history
- Exploration: Funded archaeological and oceanographic expeditions
Learning Approach:
- Hands-on experimentation: Learning by building and testing
- Cross-disciplinary thinking: Connecting ideas from different fields
- Future orientation: Always looking ahead to next possibilities
- Risk tolerance: Willing to invest in uncertain but promising ventures
Leadership Style
Allen’s approach differed from traditional corporate leadership:
Management Philosophy:
- Collaborative approach: Encouraging input from team members
- Technical involvement: Staying connected to engineering details
- Long-term patience: Willing to wait for results
- Empowerment: Giving talented people freedom to innovate
Philanthropic Philosophy
Allen believed in using wealth to benefit society:
Giving Principles:
- Scientific advancement: Research that expands human knowledge
- Open access: Making discoveries available to everyone
- High-risk, high-reward: Funding projects others wouldn’t support
- Measurable impact: Focusing on tangible results
Legacy and Impact
Computing Industry Transformation
Allen’s contributions helped create the modern technology industry:
Foundational Work:
- Software industry: Established commercial viability of software
- PC platform: Helped create industry standard architecture
- Developer ecosystem: Enabled thousands of software companies
- Technology adoption: Made computers accessible to general public
Scientific Advancement
Allen’s research funding accelerated progress in multiple fields:
Brain Science:
- Open data: Allen Institute data used by researchers worldwide
- Tool development: Advanced instruments for studying the brain
- Collaboration: Fostering cooperation between research institutions
- Translation: Moving from basic research to practical applications
Cultural Impact
Allen’s projects influenced how we think about technology and society:
Educational Mission:
- Computing history: Preserving and sharing technological heritage
- STEM education: Inspiring next generation of technologists
- Public engagement: Making science accessible to general audiences
- Innovation culture: Demonstrating importance of long-term thinking
Relevance to Code Like It’s 198x
Allen’s technical background and early programming experience directly connect to our educational mission.
Assembly Programming Expertise
- Low-level programming: Allen programmed in assembly language and machine code
- Memory optimisation: Critical skills for resource-constrained systems
- Hardware understanding: Deep knowledge of processor capabilities
- System programming: Building foundational software components
Educational Philosophy
- Hands-on learning: Believed in learning by doing and experimenting
- Technical fundamentals: Importance of understanding underlying principles
- Historical perspective: Value of studying how technology evolved
- Accessible education: Making complex topics understandable
Innovation Mindset
- Problem-solving approach: Breaking complex challenges into manageable parts
- Technical creativity: Finding elegant solutions to difficult problems
- Future thinking: Anticipating where technology was heading
- Collaborative spirit: Working with others to achieve common goals
Personal Life and Interests
Private Nature
Despite his wealth and influence, Allen maintained a relatively private lifestyle:
Personal Characteristics:
- Intellectual humility: Never boastful about achievements
- Genuine curiosity: Constantly learning about new subjects
- Loyalty: Maintained long-term relationships with friends and colleagues
- Pacific Northwest identity: Strong connection to Seattle area
Hobbies and Interests
Allen pursued diverse personal interests:
Music:
- Guitar playing: Accomplished rock and blues guitarist
- Jimi Hendrix: Particular admiration for fellow Seattle musician
- Recording studio: Built professional studio for personal use
- Music history: Extensive knowledge of rock and blues heritage
Aviation and Maritime:
- Yacht ownership: Multiple luxury vessels for exploration
- Aircraft collection: Vintage and modern aircraft
- Underwater exploration: Funded deep-sea archaeological projects
- Military history: Particularly interested in World War II
Awards and Recognition
Allen received numerous honours for his contributions:
Technology Recognition:
- Computer Entrepreneur Award: Achievement in technology business
- Fellow of Computer History Museum: Lifetime contribution to computing
- Washington Award: Highest honour from Western Society of Engineers
- Numerous honorary degrees: Recognition from universities worldwide
Philanthropic Honours:
- Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy: Excellence in charitable giving
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Various organisations recognising his giving
- Scientific community recognition: Honour from research institutions
- Cultural awards: Recognition for arts and culture support
Fun Facts
- Allen taught himself to program by reading computer manuals
- He was employee #2 at Microsoft (after himself as #1)
- Allen owned one of the world’s largest private yachts, the Octopus
- He discovered several World War II shipwrecks using advanced sonar
- Allen played guitar on stage with members of famous rock bands
- His Stratolaunch aircraft has a wingspan longer than a football field
- He owned first-edition science fiction books and manuscripts
- Allen funded the recovery of artifacts from famous warships
- He held over 200 patents in various technology fields
- Allen’s Living Computer Museum had working examples of early supercomputers
- He was one of the first people to own a Cray supercomputer for personal use
- Allen’s brain atlas project mapped millions of neural connections
Enduring Legacy
Paul Allen proved that technical expertise combined with entrepreneurial vision could transform entire industries. His work with Bill Gates launched the personal computer software revolution, but his later scientific and cultural contributions demonstrated how technology leaders can use their success to benefit humanity.
Key Principles:
- Technical depth: Deep understanding enables better decisions
- Long-term thinking: Patient investment in promising technologies
- Open collaboration: Sharing knowledge accelerates progress
- Societal responsibility: Using success to address important challenges
Modern Relevance:
- Platform thinking: Understanding how technologies build on each other
- Scientific research: Technology advancing human knowledge
- Cultural preservation: Maintaining connection to technological heritage
- Educational mission: Inspiring next generation of innovators
Through Code Like It’s 198x, we honour Allen’s legacy by teaching the fundamental programming skills that enabled his early success. His journey from programming the Altair 8800 in assembly language to funding breakthrough neuroscience research demonstrates how mastering basic technical principles can lead to extraordinary achievements and positive impact on the world.