GLEN’S SOAPBOX – A history of Expert Estimation

It’s the thirtieth anniversary of Expert Estimation this year, and it’s made me reflect on the history of the product. As I mentioned last week the first version of the software was similar in structure to all other DOS based programs, but freed them to roam the world of PCs.

Then came Windows

The 90s weren’t just about baggy pants and rollerblading. Suddenly PC memory became more usable and a graphics interface was introduced. Rather than proceeding from screen to screen, a user could have several windows open at once, allowing them to switch between far more easily.

This called for a complete rewrite of Expert Estimation code in the early 2000s, changing from DOS to Visual Object between versions 2 and 3 of the program. CD Roms (remember those?) were used to install the software, rather than the archaic floppy disc.

By that point the company had 4 or 5 staff, and we undertook a massive rebrand to found Pronamics as a company. We even launched a website, which you can see here!

Business boomed. A few of our key clients spread the word and licences took off in every direction. We were printing CDs like hotcakes until we made the transition to downloaded software.

By 2010 we’d moved into bigger offices, and we recognised the need for another technological leap forward.

It was coming. Genesis.

Glen Townsley is the founder of Pronamics, and has spent over 30 years building estimating software after a successful career as a civil estimator and project manager.