In 1977, David Stern was working at the University of Colorado with 
a team of scientists interpreting the data from the Mariner Mars 
7 & 9 space probes. It became clear to him that his colleagues 
needed a computer language that went beyond the functionality of 
FORTRAN and provided easier, faster application development, data 
analysis and visualization. As a solution, Stern wrote the Mariner 
Mars Spectral Editor (an IDLŽ prototype), a software language 
that successfully allowed scientists to test hypotheses without 
employing a programmer every time they needed to write or modify an 
application.

Research Systems, Inc. and IDL, the Interactive Data Language, were
born from that prototype. Encouraged by the positive results, Stern
left the university, set up shop in the attic of his house, and
concentrated on establishing IDL as a key tool for solving a broad
spectrum of research problems.

During the early 1980s, Stern realized that doctors, engineers and
earth scientists required data analysis and visualization techniques
to keep up with the explosion of data produced by modern
instruments. IDL was rewritten to specifically address the problem of
handling large amounts of data. Consequently, IDL became integral to
the development of the first practical emission tomography imaging
system, giving cardiologists new ways to diagnose heart disease. In
addition, IDL's data analysis capabilities have played a critical role
in virtually every NASA and European Space Agency mission since that
time.

In 1987, IDL was again enhanced to take advantage of powerful Unix
workstations, which were becoming popular. This formed the basis for
the IDL of today which offers portable application development over
Unix, Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT, Macintosh, Power Macintosh and
OpenVMS systems.

Research Systems has grown steadily to more than 90 employees, with an
emphasis on building a team whose expertise complements the work of
its users. The original development group is intact and Stern
maintains a significant role in producing and refining product code
and direction. By hiring seasoned professionals for key management
positions, Stern has enabled Research Systems to sustain strong
revenue growth, maintain profitability and expand worldwide
operations.

Research Systems' product line includes: IDL, a complete, integrated
software environment for data analysis, visualization and application
development; ENVI, an image processing application written in IDL
for access and analysis of remotely sensed data; and Research Systems' 
Visible Human CD Collection, the first complete, digital
photographic reference for exploring male and female anatomy, 
containing more than 20,000 images of the human body on two CD-ROMS.

Long-term success requires superior support after the sale. The
Professional Services Group and Technical Support staff offer
everything from "hands-on" training courses and on-site consulting to
prompt, helpful service via telephone and email. To further
personalize its service, Research Systems has partners throughout the
world. Distributors in South America, Asia, Europe and the Pacific Rim
provide an active link between Research Systems and customers outside
the United States.

Research Systems is committed to technical innovation, discovery and
education. The company's mission is to produce software that embodies
unusual vision and foresight and gives its users the vision to clearly
see and understand data. Academic and research institutions benefit
from Research Systems' devotion to scientific advancement. The
Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, astronomers in the former Soviet
Republics, the University of Colorado and the Sequoia 2000 Project to
Explore Global Change are just a few of the organizations that have
expanded the base of scientific knowledge with the help of Research
Systems.