This article is about a company. For other use, see computer file. For and, see computer data storage.
PC Data
Private
IndustryMarket research
Founded1991
DefunctMarch 29, 2001
FounderAnn Stephens
Hq location cityReston, Virginia
Hq location countryU.S.
Products

PC Data was an American market research and point of sale tracking firm founded in 1991 and based in Reston, Virginia. Its founder, Ann Stephens, had worked previously as the head researcher for the Software Publishers Association. Initially, the firm tracked only the United States' computer software market,[1] but later expanded to include hardware sales and, in 1999, Internet traffic.[1][2] By 1996, The Washington Post described PC Data as "the preeminent tabulator of facts and figures of the monthly sales of consumer software in the United States".[1] Its coverage of the United States retail software sales market had grown to 80% by September 1998.[3]

In March 2001, The NPD Group purchased PC Data's point-of-sale research branch and merged it with its Intelect Market Tracking division.[4][5] Following a legal settlement with the rival company Jupiter Media Matrix regarding patent infringement, PC Data ceased Internet traffic research and closed later in March.[6][7] Firms NetValue and ComScore purchased the remainder of PC Data's Internet research branch.[7]

References

  1. ^ Corcoran, Elizabeth (August 19, 1996). "Software Sales, by the Numbers". Washington Post. Archived April 29, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  2. ^ Bredemeier, Kenneth (February 14, 2000). "In Which the Local Hare Enters a Dogfight". Washington Post. Archived April 29, 2018 at the Wayback Machine.
  3. ^ IGN Staff (September 28, 1998). "PC Data Expands Coverage". IGN. Archived from the original on April 10, 2000. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  4. ^ Staff (March 19, 2001). "F.Y.I.". Ad Age. Archived April 29, 2018 at the Wayback Machine.
  5. ^ "NPD Intelect Acquires Point-of-Sale Tracking Division of PC Data". Port Washington, New York: PC Data. March 16, 2001. Archived from the original on April 6, 2001. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  6. ^ Stellin, Susan (March 29, 2001). "Technology Briefing: Internet; Web Measurement Lawsuits". The New York Times. Archived April 29, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  7. ^ Kady II, Martin (April 6, 2001). "In PC Data's shutdown, competitors find opportunity". American City Business Journals. Archived May 15, 2004 at the Wayback Machine.