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The History of Cosmic Patterns Software Development

Given below is a chronological list of major turning points, innovations, and developments:

  • 1973 - 1979: David Cochrane begins developing astrology software on mainframe computers in the Fortran and Cobol languages. With assistance from Neil Michelsen and Mark Pottenger in getting the planetary calculations to run, he adds calculations of harmonics, cosmbiology, Vedic dasas, cosmobiology interpretations and other features, all running on an IBM mainframe computer with punch cards.
  • 1980: David moves the software from the mainframe to the TRS-80 computer, and converts the software from Cobol and Fortran to the BASIC language.
  • 1980 - 1981: David begins selling an all-purpose astrology software program for the TRS-80 that can produce aspect grids, midpoint trees, transit listings, and other calculations.
  • 1981 - 1982: David decides to close his astrology software company and work for Matrix software to collaborate with other programmers. He works there for one year, and develops the first interpretive astrology software for home computers for them, and also collaborates with them on developing their first all-pupose software rather than software that provides only specific calculations.
  • 1982: David returns to Gainesville, FL and begins writing the Kepler software and starts Comic Patterns Software.

1983 - 1984 Some highlights are:
(1) Eileen Naumann and Ry Redd contact David about offering software to produce interpretations that they have written. David develops the software and this starts Kepler's list of report options.
(2) Kepler begins producing color chart wheels before other companies.
(3) Kepler includes time zone and DST information so users do not have to look up the information in a book,
(4) Extremely fast data entry with automatic lookup of cities and chart names while you type brings a new level of ease-of-use to software,
(5) Research features are included in Kepler, and Kepler uses an indexed database to allow large numbers of charts to be researched.

1985 - 1990: Features, features, features! Under a new management, Cosmic Patterns grows rapidly, hires an additional part time programmer and office help. Customers are enthusiastic about Kepler and send in requests nearly every day. Cosmic Patterns does little advertising and grows by word of mouth.

1991 - 1997: Windows 3.1 arrives and DOS gradually becomes extinct. It takes several years to convert the large amount of code to Windows and it is not until 1996 that the Windows version of Kepler is made available. Windows 3.1 is not completely stable and the release of Windows 95 in 1995, which is more stable and easier to use than Windows 3.1 brings the DOS operating system to be nearly completely superceded by Windows.

Cosmic Patterns begins advertising more and has a larger presence at conference trade shows in the USA and around the world. The increased advertising helps Kepler reach the attention of people who otherwise would be unaware of the program. The number of features in Kepler continues to grow and now includes many technical calculations and calculations for many schools of astrology.

1998: Cosmic Patterns Software moves into a new office building.

1998 - 2002: Kepler continues to expand and improve, with breakthroughs like powerful and breathtaking AstroMaps, a free online chart service, the Live Mini Reading, comprehensive research features, etc.

March, 2003: Kepler 6, the Fulfillment of a Dream. With Version 6, Kepler's user interface was redesigned and modernized. The clean, sharp, and elegant screens transform Kepler and set a new standard for software. Also, the number of features in Kepler has now grown to almost an extraordinary level, with very powerful and extensive research features, AstroMaps, graphic forecasts, Vedic astrology, etc. A team of programmers at Cosmic Patterns worked intensively to make this possible. The cost for developing this new level of software was very high, but worth it.

August, 2004: Kepler 7: With Kepler 7 final touchups to the user interface were made. The range of calculations and innovations in Kepler becomes even more impresive. Kepler 7 introduces the extraordinarily powerful and elegant AstroSignature forecast as well as the compatibilty, pairs, and natal AstroSignature research, and huge improvements to the Vedic calculations, sky map, fixed stars analysis, fixed stars analysis, asteroids, etc. We are now transitioning to a new level of software that reaches beyond the software of the 20th century. The range of features has expanded what we had originally imagined could be offered in any one program without requiring customers to purchase options. A marketing decision to keep Kepler extremely inexpensive by including all features in one product for a relatively very low price was made, with an interest in making Kepler available to as many astrologers as possible. This "generosity" may have not been the wisest decision from a business standpoint but customers do appreciate having a magnificent program for a low price.

Kepler 6 and Kepler 7 are arguably the most important updates in the history of the Kepler program.

May 1, 2008: Sirius was released. Sirius is so comprehensive, elegant, and easy-to-use that astrologers who have specialized needs such as using primarily Vedic, Huber, symmetrical, Hellenistic, or Medieval techniques or who work primarily in research or financial astrology no longer need to purchase specialized astrology software. Sirius surpasses most of these specialized programs in features and ease of use. Sirius represents a new concept in astrology software: extraordinary comprehensiveness that eliminates the need for almost any other software. Kepler 7 is still available for people who do not need the power of Sirius, and Kepler 7 owners can upgrade to Sirius.

The Future: We are continuing to make excellent progress in developing superb astrology software. Most of the features we have added are inspired by suggestions from our customers. Continue to let us know what you would like our next step to be. Astrology is an almost endless field, and there is always more that can be done.


 
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