Definition: Intergraph

(Intergraph Corporation, Huntsville, AL) A software and services company founded in 1969 as M&S Computing by Jim and Nancy Meadlock, Keith Schonrock, Bob Thurber and Terry Schansman. Initially a computer consulting firm to government agencies, it specialized in computer graphics and changed its name to Intergraph in 1980 ("interactive graphics").

Intergraph developed 3D graphics expertise on Digital PDP and VAX computers and later developed Unix workstations based on the Clipper chip from Fairchild Semiconductor. In 1992, it migrated to Windows NT and became a leader in NT-based graphics workstations. In 1996, the company introduced the first 28" HDTV computer monitor.

Despite Intergraph's pioneering work in hardware, the company was significantly impacted by Intel and others in the late 1990s. In 2000, the company exited the workstation and server market and changed focus to software, systems integration and professional services for the federal government and industries such as transportation and mapping/GIS. In late 2006, Intergraph was acquired by an investor group and then Swedish Hexagon AB four years later.

Interactive Graphics

Realistic flight simulation is an example of the interactive graphics that Intergraph provided with its workstations and graphics subsystems. (Image courtesy of Intergraph Computer Systems.)