Michael Tomczyk
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michael S. Tomczyk is best known for his role in the development and marketing of the Commodore VIC-20, the first microcomputer to sell one million units; and for his early role as a pioneer in telecomputing.
More broadly, he has come to be known as a technology futurist through his activities as Managing Director of the Mack Center for Technological Innovation at the Wharton School, which he joined in 1995.
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[edit] The Home Computer Wars
In early 1980, Tomczyk joined Commodore as Marketing Strategist and Assistant to the President (Commodore founder Jack Tramiel). When Tramiel announced that he wanted to develop a low cost affordable home computer “for the masses, not the classes,” Tomczyk embraced the concept and aggressively championed the new computer, insisting that it be “user friendly.” Tomczyk and Tramiel named the new computer the “VIC-20” and set the price at $299.95. Tomczyk was given the additional title of “VIC Czar” (at a time when Washington had an “energy czar”).
Tomczyk recruited a product management team called the “VIC Commandos” and implemented a variety of innovations including a unique user manual, programming reference guide (which he co-authored), software on tape and cartridge, as well as a distinctive array of packaging, print ads and marketing materials. The new computer was introduced at Seibu Department Store as the VIC-1001 in Tokyo in September 1980, and as the VIC-20 at the Consumer Electronics Show in 1981; and subsequently in Canada, Europe and Asia.
In 1981, Tomczyk established the Commodore Information Network, an early implementation of an Internet-style user community. To enable adoption of telecomputing, he contracted the design of the VICModem, which became the first modem priced under $100, and the first to sell one million units, and negotiated free telecomputing services from CompuServe, the Source and Dow Jones. In 1982, the Commodore network was the largest traffic “site” on CompuServe.
The VIC-20 was followed by the more powerful Commodore 64. These computers introduced millions of people worldwide to home computing and telecomputing, and laid the foundation for ubiquitous worldwide computing. Tomczyk's experiences are described in his 1984 book, "The Home Computer Wars."*
Tomczyk left Commodore in 1984, six months after Jack Tramiel left the company. He subsequently served as a consultant to technology startups and international trade projects. He was a contributing editor of Export Today Magazine for nearly 10 years.
[edit] The Wharton Years
In 1995 he joined the Wharton School as Managing Director of the Emerging Technologies Management Research Program at the Wharton School, where he worked with a core group of faculty to develop a major management research program. The program subsequently became the Mack Center for Technological Innovation, which sponsors academic research and insight-building events to help organizations compete, survive and succeed in technology-driven industries.
As Managing Director of the Mack Center, Tomczyk serves as a bridge between academia and industry partners. In 1997 he originated an annual event called the Emerging Technologies Update Day, which showcases radical innovations looming on the near horizon. In 2000 he helped launch the BioSciences Crossroads Initiative in the Mack Center and in 2006 co-authored (with Paul Schoemaker) a major research report entitled: “The Future of BioSciences: Four Scenarios for 2020 and Their Implications for Human Healthcare” (May 2006). He has also written about gene therapy and a variety of other technologies.
Since joining Wharton in 1995 Tomczyk has helped launch five successful technology startups, as an advisor and/or board member. During the 1990s he helped corporations develop and implement their Internet strategies. He occasionally advises companies and government agencies on international technology projects.
In September and December 2006, he keynoted two Frost & Sullivan conferences, on predicting and developing technological innovations. He is currently working on a book on this topic.
Michael Tomczyk served three years in the U.S. Army (1970-73 - highest rank Captain). As Public Information Officer for the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, he helped launch the Volunteer Army (VOLAR) which was being piloted in 1970. He awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Vietnam (1971-72) and received the Army Commendation Medal for service in Korea (1973).
He holds an M.B.A. from U.C.L.A. and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he received a Distinguished Alumni Award.
[edit] Notes and References
- Schoemaker, Paul J.H. and Tomczyk, Michael (2006). The Future of BioSciences: Four Scenarios for 2020 and Their Implications for Human Healthcare.
- Tomczyk, Michael (1984). The Home Computer Wars: An Insider's Account of Commodore and Jack Tramiel. COMPUTE! Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-942386-75-2.
- A.Persidis and M.Tomczyk, "Critical Issues in Commercialization of Gene Therapy." Nature Biotechnology, Vol 15, p.689-690, 1997.
