William Norris, a pioneer in the computing industry, has passed away at the age of 95. He was best known as a co-founder of Control Data Corporation (CDC), which played a crucial role in shaping the early landscape of information technology.

Norris’s vision for computing extended beyond mere business applications; he foresaw the impact that computers could have on society, education, and science. Under his leadership, CDC became a technological powerhouse in the 1960s and 1970s, producing some of the fastest computers in the world at that time.

CDC’s innovations under Norris included developing supercomputers that challenged industry leader IBM and pioneering computer-assisted education. Norris’s commitment to using technology to improve the world led to CDC being involved in various social issues, employing minority workers during times of racial segregation and investing in underserved communities.

William Norris was not just an exceptional business leader but also an advocate for corporate responsibility. His belief was that companies should have a positive impact on society—a philosophy that resonates strongly even today.

Norris’s legacy lives on through numerous contributions to the IT field. His foresight into the potential of computing power fundamentally altered the way we interact with technology today, making him one of the defining figures in the history of information technology. His passing is a significant loss to the industry and all who have been influenced by his work and ideals.