History of PC Data in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 7, 2025

PC Data was a US market research firm established in 1991 in Reston, Virginia, by Ann Stephens, a former Software Publishers Association researcher. Initially focused on tracking the computer software market, it expanded its scope to include hardware sales and, later, Internet traffic data by 1999. By 1996, PC Data was recognized by The Washington Post as a leading source of information on monthly consumer software sales in the United States, covering approximately 80% of the US retail software sales market by 1998.

1991: PC Data Founded

In 1991, PC Data, an American market research and point of sale tracking firm, was founded in Reston, Virginia, by Ann Stephens.

1996: Recognition as Preeminent Tabulator

In 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".

September 1998: Expanded Market Coverage

In September 1998, PC Data's coverage of the United States retail software sales market had grown to 80%.

1999: Expansion to Internet Traffic

In 1999, PC Data expanded its tracking to include Internet traffic.

March 2001: Acquisition and Closure

In March 2001, The NPD Group purchased PC Data's point-of-sale research branch and merged it with its Intelect Market Tracking division. 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.