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:
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.
July, 2013
Cosmic Patterns Software acquires Matrix Software, which provides a larger team of software developers, a website developer, an enormous number of new interpretive reports, and some excellent software features developed over more than 40 years by the programmers at Matrix Software. The larger company is more productive and efficient. Some of the original workers at Matrix Software continue to work in the new company and are busy improving the Matrix Software products.
November, 2014
Sirius 2.0 is made available. Sirius 2.0 marks a big step forward by not only having many new features but also in introducing features to integrate the software with online services. For example, links to the online AstroDatabank data and the ability to select ANY dwarf planet or asteroid by having the ephemeris file automatically download extend the power of your laptop or desktop computer by getting information from files that are too large to install on your hard drive. Also, an increasing number of Mac users are now running Kepler and Sirius on their Mac computers using the CrossOver Mac software. CrossOver Mac is a huge improvement for many people over installing products like Parallels and Windows beecause it is less expensive, does not require partitioning the hard drive and most importantly does not require the Windows operating system at all. Also, Linux users are now using the CrossOver Linux software to run Kepler and Sirius on their computers that have the Linux operating system installed.
October, 2015
Kepler 8 is made available. Kepler 8 is a huge improvement. It brings to Kepler many dozens of features that previously were only in Sirius. The user interface is also greatly improved with features like the same Page Designer feature that is in Sirius. Wheel styles and many other features are greatly improved.
2016
In 2016 the number of tutorial videos grows to over 250! There are now tutorial videos on an enormous range of astrological topcis and the videos are free. There have been hundreds of thousands of views of these videos and the feedback is extrmely positive. An index into the videos is available at videos page. Cosmic Patterns Software and Matrix Software have evolved to be much more than software companies. The companies have become centers for a wide range of information services. Software, education, training, and research are closely interconnected and we are providing tools resources, products, and services in all of these areas. It has been David's vision from the founding of Cosmic Patterns Software in 1982 that the real potential and power of astrology software is opened up when there are educational and training services, and opportunities for people to collaborate.
August, 2016
The Kepler Club and Win*Star Club are established. Membership in the Kepler Club is available to owners of Kepler and Sirius, and the membereship in the Win*Star Club is available to owners of Win*Star Standards, Extended, or Pro. Members can attend a monthly two-hour online class, get discounts for seminars, and participate in the Kepler Astrologers Certification and Win*Star Astrologers Certification programs. Recipients of these certifcates have demonstrated their professional proficiency in using the software and applyng the information provided by the software in astrological analysis. Also in 2016 we began sending monthly email newsletters to all customer and others who wish to receive them. Previously we had been sending newsletters only two to three times per year. These monthly emails keep you updated with ongoing developments and progress with software, education, and training.
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. |