PC Data
Ann Stephens established PC Data in 1991 within Reston, Virginia. She brought experience from her prior role as head researcher for the Software Publishers Association. The new firm began by tracking only computer software sales across the United States. This narrow scope defined its first years of operation. No hardware or internet data appeared on their initial reports. The Washington Post later called it "the preeminent tabulator of facts and figures" regarding monthly consumer software sales. That description emerged by 1996 after five years of focused work.
By September 1998, PC Data covered 80% of retail software sales in the United States. The company expanded beyond software to include hardware sales tracking. In 1999, they added Internet traffic monitoring to their services. This growth transformed a small startup into an industry leader. Their data became essential for publishers and retailers alike. The breadth of coverage allowed them to influence market decisions. Competitors struggled to match their reach during this period.
March 2001 marked a turning point when The NPD Group purchased PC Data's point-of-sale research branch. The acquisition merged that division with The NPD Group's Intelect Market Tracking unit. This move shifted focus away from independent operations. The remaining parts of the company continued under new ownership structures. Industry observers noted the strategic value of combining these datasets. The deal represented a major consolidation in market research history.
A patent infringement lawsuit involving Jupiter Media Matrix forced changes within the firm. The legal settlement required PC Data to cease all Internet traffic research activities. These actions led to the complete shutdown of the company later in March 2001. The dispute ended decades of operation for the original entity. No further reports or data collection occurred after the ruling. The legal battle proved fatal to the business model.
NetValue acquired portions of the internet research assets following the dissolution. ComScore also purchased segments of the remaining intellectual property. These firms absorbed the technology and methodologies developed by PC Data. The original brand disappeared from the marketplace entirely. Their influence persisted through the companies that inherited their work. The distribution of assets ensured some continuity in industry tracking.
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Common questions
When and where was PC Data established?
Ann Stephens established PC Data in 1991 within Reston, Virginia. The firm began by tracking only computer software sales across the United States.
What percentage of retail software sales did PC Data cover by September 1998?
By September 1998, PC Data covered 80% of retail software sales in the United States. The company expanded beyond software to include hardware sales tracking during this period.
Who purchased PC Data's point-of-sale research branch in March 2001?
The NPD Group purchased PC Data's point-of-sale research branch on the 3rd of March 2001. This acquisition merged that division with The NPD Group's Intelect Market Tracking unit.
Why did PC Data cease all Internet traffic research activities?
A patent infringement lawsuit involving Jupiter Media Matrix forced changes within the firm. The legal settlement required PC Data to cease all Internet traffic research activities.
Which companies acquired assets from PC Data after its dissolution?
NetValue acquired portions of the internet research assets following the dissolution. ComScore also purchased segments of the remaining intellectual property.