Thirty Years of Change: A Look Back at Where We Started
From tangled cables in 1991 to touchscreen phones today, a reflection on how far technology — and Magic Square Systems — has come.
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Looking back as we approach 30 years
With our 30th birthday as a company fast approaching, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on where we started and some of the experiences that shaped Magic Square Systems over the years.
Going back to 1991, it all began on a Sunday. There was no technical support on hand, no online tutorials, and certainly no instant troubleshooting. Just a set of brand-new hardware, a growing pile of cables, and a lot of patience as everything was pieced together from scratch.
When technology meant getting your hands dirty
Back then, setting up systems was a physical, hands-on experience. Cables tangled easily, documentation was limited, and progress often meant learning through trial and error. It was challenging, but it also built a deep understanding of how technology really worked, not just how to use it.
Those early days required persistence and problem-solving in a very literal sense. There was no quick fix, only time, focus, and determination to make things work.
What we couldn’t imagine then
If someone had told us in 1991 that, 30 years later, this story would be shared on social media using a touchscreen mobile phone, it would have sounded unbelievable. Technology has transformed not just how systems are built, but how stories, ideas, and businesses connect with the world.
That said, some changes were easier to predict than others. The disappearance of the fax machine, for example, is one evolution most of us saw coming.
Change as a constant
What these reflections highlight is how quickly technology evolves and how important it is to evolve with it. While tools, platforms, and interfaces have changed dramatically, the core principles that guide our work remain familiar: curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to adapt.
As we approach this milestone, we’re reminded that progress is rarely about one big leap. It’s built through years of small steps, learning moments, and adapting to what comes next.
More stories to come
This is just one moment from our journey. We’ll be sharing more Magic Square Systems stories soon as we continue reflecting on the experiences that brought us here.
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