From mainframes to machine learning: a reflection on 50 years of ibi

As I stand here in the wake of our ibi Golden Summit, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude. Seeing so many of our customers, partners, and team members gathered together to celebrate 50 years of ibi™ was truly humbling. The energy in the rooms and the stories shared in the hallways were a powerful reminder of the incredible journey we’ve been on together.

Reflecting on an anniversary this significant, it’s natural to look back at how far we’ve come.

A foundation built on access

When ibi was founded in 1975, the world of data was a very different place. It was the era of the mainframe and a time when critical business information was locked away. Our founding principle was simple but revolutionary: make complex data accessible to solve real business problems. The FOCUS language was the key that started our five-decade mission to democratize data.

Pioneering the shift to modern analytics

As the world changed, so did we. When the internet began to transform the business landscape, we saw an opportunity to redefine what was possible. We didn't just adapt to the web; we helped define what business intelligence would look like on it. That pioneering spirit led directly to the creation of ibi™ WebFOCUS®, the industry's very first web-based BI and analytics platform. This was a monumental leap forward. For the first time, organizations could deliver critical insights to anyone, anywhere, with just a web browser, breaking down the walls of the data center and truly empowering the entire enterprise.

That drive to modernize has never stopped. The WebFOCUS® of today has evolved from a groundbreaking reporting tool into a comprehensive, modern platform. It now delivers intuitive self-service, stunning data visualizations, and the forward-looking power of embedded AI and Machine Learning, all built on the same foundation of scalability and trust.

The constant in 50 years of change

What strikes me most is not what has changed, but what has remained constant.

Through all the technological shifts, the core DNA of ibi has endured. Our commitment has never been to chase the latest hype, but to provide pragmatic, powerful solutions for your most challenging, mission-critical data problems. This philosophy of pragmatic innovation, which guided the creation of WebFOCUS, continues to drive our development today. The unwavering focus on enabling you to trust your core operational data is the thread that connects our past to our present.

Here’s to our community and the next 50 years

This journey would be impossible without the incredible community that has grown around ibi. To our employees, past and present, who have poured their talent and passion into building this company: thank you. To our partners, who help our customers turn possibilities into reality: thank you.

Most importantly, to our customers: thank you for trusting us with your most valuable asset. Hearing your stories at the ibi Golden Summit—how you run your businesses, serve your communities, and drive your industries forward with our technology—is the ultimate validation of the work we do.

Fifty years is a testament to the enduring power of a clear mission. Just as we pioneered the shift to the web, we are committed to helping you navigate the next 50 years of data innovation. The challenges ahead are exciting, and we can’t wait to solve them with you.

Thank you for an unforgettable celebration, and here's to the next 50 years.