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-Galacticomm was incorporated on July 23, 1985 to initially run a network of multi-user game systems. In 1986, Galacticomm developed the Model-16 (16 modem modules on one expansion card) and Galacticomm Software Breakthrough Library (GSBL, an engineer-oriented toolkit for multi-user applications).
+====== History of Galacticomm, The Major BBS, and Worldgroup ======
-In 1986 Tim Stryker, Galacticomm's Founder, wrote Version 1.0 of The Major BBS as an in-house demo of the Model-16 and released Version 2.0 as shareware. The first commercial sale of The Major BBS occurred in 1987 with the introduction of Version 4.0 ($59) and third-party developers also began writing add-on utilities and games.
+Galacticomm, a pioneering software company, was established in the mid-1980s, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of online communication and multi-user gaming. The brainchild of Timothy Stryker, Galacticomm's flagship product, The MajorBBS, emerged as a groundbreaking Bulletin Board System (BBS) software, initially developed for the DOS platform. Stryker, leveraging his extensive experience in crafting multi-user gaming systems, introduced innovative technologies that set Galacticomm apart in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
-Version 5.0 of The Major BBS was released in 1988. The GalactiBox (a 16-slot COM 1-4 expansion chassis) was developed the same year. In 1989, Version 5.07 unveiled new "extended editions" such as the Entertainment, File Library, MenuMan, and Shopping Mall. Direct-connect for X.25 packet-switch networks (256 simultaneous users) was also developed in 1989. Version 5.2 offered BBSETUP for automatic hardware detection and configuration, and optional protected mode support in 1990. Also manufactured at this time was the GalactiBoard, an 8-port serial card with 16550 UARTs.
+In 1986, Stryker unveiled The MajorBBS, a software that would revolutionize the realm of online communication and community building. This BBS software was not just a platform for message exchange but a hub for online gaming, forums, and file sharing, catering to a growing audience of computer enthusiasts. Stryker's prior experience in multi-user gaming systems was instrumental in shaping The MajorBBS, particularly in its ability to support multiple users simultaneously, a feature that was relatively rare at the time.
-Galactic Innovations, a third-party development firm led by Scott Brinker, was acquired by Galacticomm in 1991. The Major Database, Dial-Out, Kyrandia, and other utilities and multi-user games were directly offered by Galacticomm as a result of the acquisition. In 1991, Galacticomm released Version 5.3 which offered Novell NetWare LAN support.
+A cornerstone of Galacticomm's innovation was the Galacticomm Software Breakthrough Library (GSBL), a comprehensive suite of x86 Assembler communication routines. The GSBL was a technical marvel, facilitating the swift development of multi-user applications. This library was particularly optimized for use with the Model 16 Modem Card, an impressive piece of hardware that housed 16 1200 baud modems on a single ISA card. The integration of these modems was a testament to Galacticomm's commitment to leveraging Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, a strategy that was somewhat unconventional at the time, given the dominance of mainframes and minicomputers in multi-user applications.
-The Major BBS Version 6.0 ($259) implemented a major architectural shift in 1992 with native protected mode operation and source code-free integration of add-ons. This allowed system operators to easily add products from Galacticomm and third-party developers without requiring recompilation of the base system. In 1993, Galacticomm launched Version 6.1 which offered online graphics capability and enhanced support for Microsoft Windows. Currently shipping Version 6.2 with integrated RIPscrip, QWK-mail, rewritten file library and polling services.
+The MajorBBS, initially conceived as a demonstration platform for the GSBL and Model 16, rapidly gained popularity, surpassing the sales of the GSBL by 1988. The software evolved swiftly, reaching version 5 as its user base expanded. However, a significant limitation was identified: the necessity for manual compilation of add-ons. This process required users to possess both the Borland C compiler and programming expertise, barriers that limited the accessibility of the BBS software. Recognizing this, Stryker introduced loadable module support, allowing add-ons to be distributed as 16-bit binary NE DLLs. This innovation significantly simplified the user experience, eliminating the need for programming skills or additional software to operate a BBS.
-By 1994, Galacticomm was one of the largest BBS software providers in the world.
+The release of The MajorBBS version 6 in 1992 marked a pivotal moment, with the inclusion of loadable module support propelling its popularity. By the end of 1994, over 15,000 copies of the software had been sold, and Galacticomm had issued eight revisions within that year alone. In December 1994, CEO Scott Brinker announced the development of a new multimedia BBS software, "Project Victory," in an interview with Inter@ctive magazine. This project culminated in the release of The MajorBBS version 6.25 on January 11, 1995, the final iteration to bear the "MajorBBS" name.
-The Galacticomm mission statement was: **//"To do really cool things in the field of computer communications and make a buck at it."//**
+The landscape of online communication began to shift dramatically in 1995 with the advent of widespread public Internet access. This development drew a significant portion of users away from traditional BBS platforms. Galacticomm, like many of its contemporaries, faced the daunting challenge of competing with the burgeoning Internet. "Project Victory," rebranded as Worldgroup, was officially announced on January 30, 1995, with Worldgroup version 1.0 released in May of the same year. In September, version 1.0.1 was launched, marking a transition in development tools from Borland C++ 3.1 to 4.5. This change rendered add-ons compiled with the newer version incompatible with earlier releases of MajorBBS/Worldgroup, a decision that would have far-reaching implications.
+The year 1996 was tumultuous for the BBS industry, and Galacticomm was not immune to the challenges. The company witnessed the departure of many long-standing Independent Software Vendors/Third-Party Developers (ISV/TPDs) and experienced a backlash from system operators (Sysops) who had invested heavily in their systems, only to be confronted with significant architectural and pricing changes. Despite these challenges, Galacticomm released Worldgroup 2.0 in May 1996. However, the BBS industry was in rapid decline, overshadowed by the expanding Internet.
+Tragedy struck on August 6, 1996, with the untimely passing of Tim Stryker, who took his own life in the mountains of Colorado at the age of 41. His death marked the end of an era for Galacticomm and the BBS community at large. In the wake of Stryker's passing, Galacticomm struggled to maintain its footing in an increasingly Internet-dominated world. The company continued to develop Worldgroup, releasing version 3 for DOS in 1997 and version 3.12 in 1998, before ultimately abandoning the DOS platform. In 1999, Worldgroup version 3.2 for Windows was released, but by the end of the year, Galacticomm was forced to close its doors.
+The subsequent years saw several changes in leadership, but none could recapture the momentum Galacticomm had once enjoyed with The MajorBBS. In 2002, the company ultimately filed for bankruptcy, marking the end of an influential player in the early days of online community building and multi-user gaming. Galacticomm's legacy, however, endures in the annals of computing history, a testament to innovation, ambition, and the transformative power of technology in connecting people across the digital frontier.