History in the Making: WSA Seeks Input for Project to Create ‘Family Tree’ of Puget Sound’s Tech Industry

The WSA, the state’s oldest and largest technology trade organization, is partnering with Seattle University and Virginia Tech researchers to document the history and genealogy of Puget Sound’s technology industry.

To collect as much information as possible, the WSA is calling for all local technology executives, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs to weigh in by completing an online survey, which can be found on WSA’s Web site at www.wsa.org. A select number of in-person interviews will be conducted as well.

Specifically, researchers are looking for the genealogy of the following types of companies located in the Puget Sound region:

 —  Technology firms in sectors as diverse as software, telecommunications     and electronics. —  Technology spin-offs from Microsoft, Boeing, McCaw Cellular, Nintendo,     universities and other local institutions.      

“From Microsoft to the smallest of start-ups, the Puget Sound’s tech industry is extremely intertwined,” said Ken Myer, president and CEO of the WSA. “It will be fascinating to see how hundreds of local technology companies are connected to each other. Plus, the final results will undoubtedly shed light on how this region became such a world-class technology hub.”

The study’s results will include a written report, as well as a poster that visually depicts the Puget Sound technology “universe.” A similar map recently created for Portland’s Silicon Forest can also be found at www.wsa.org.

About the WSA

Founded in 1984, WSA is Washington’s technology association with over 1,000 member companies representing more than 100,000 software, Internet, telecommunications and technology company employees. The WSA is a catalyst for industry connections and provides members with key business services. As a voice for Washington’s technology industry, the WSA leads the advocacy of issues necessary to grow Washington state’s impact as a leader in the digital economy. WSA’s global partners are Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Microsoft, Regence BlueShield, The Hartford and Wells Fargo Insurance Services. WSA’s funding partners are AH&T Insurance, Blink Interactive, Inc., Comerica Bank and RealNetworks. For more information, please see www.wsa.org.

 Contact: Autumn Monahan MWW Group for WSA 206-505-8350 Email Contact

SOURCE: WSA