Evans & Sutherland History

1968

Ivan Sutherland and Dave Evans

Evans & Sutherland was formed in 1968 by Dr. David Evans and Dr. Ivan Sutherland, computer science professors at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both pioneers in computer graphics technology, the professors had a theory that computers could be used as simulators. This emphasis on computers as simulators took E&S into the training market, where the company continued to develop and enhance visual systems for simulation.

The 70s

E&S established a partnership with Rediffusion, a British simulation company, which gave E&S exclusive rights to provide visual systems for Rediffusion's commercial flight training simulators. Today, approximately 80% of the world's commercial airline pilots are trained using E&S visual systems.

In 1978, the company went public with a listing on the NASDAQ exchange.

The 80s

E&S continued to lead the simulation industry in providing the highest quality, most realistic visual systems in the world as it looked for new markets for its technology, such as digital projectors for planetariums and entertainment applications.

The 90s

The 1990s marked a period of change for the company, as Dr. Evans retired. The company has continued to lead the visual systems industry for both military and commercial simulation applications as it leverages its technologies into entertainment, education, and workstation applications.

Today

Evans & Sutherland sold its simulation business to Rockwell Collins and acquired Spitz, Inc. E&S has refocused the company's efforts on advanced digital theaters and state-of-the-art video projection technology. With a complete line of new products for each of its markets, E&S is looking forward to strong performance in the coming years.