Data^#3’s history links back to 1977 when Powell, Clark and Associates (PCA), a prominent IBM support organisation, was established to offer professional consulting and data processing services to individuals and companies installing computer- based information systems. The company was named after the two original founders, Terry Powell and Graham Clark.

PCA became a leading IT software consultancy specialising in developing and implementing applications software for small to medium sized organisations across a range of industries. In particular it established an excellent reputation as the largest supplier of IBM-based software for small hospitals in Australia.

In 1984, Data^#3 was born out of two Queensland-based firms – Powell, Clark and Associates and Albrand Typewriters & Office Machines Pty Ltd. Albrand Typewriters and Office Machines, an IBM Typewriter dealer with two Brisbane locations in Aspley and the CBD, contributed to Data^#3 an excellent reputation and a wealth of experience in provision of quality office equipment, materials and supplies Data^#3 staff in the mid eighties from the most respected, reliable and progressive suppliers.

The strongly solutions-oriented approach adopted by PCA was carried through as a guiding principle for the Data^#3 Group – as was a clear understanding that maximising return for investment in Information Technology has high priority for people in business, industry and government.

Data^#3 moved ahead to become one of Queensland’s first personal computer dealerships and the first reseller of IBM’s “mid-range” multi user computing systems.

Today Data^#3 has evolved from a Queensland oriented office equipment and PC reseller into one of Australia’s leading Business Technology Solutions companies with approximately 1,400 staff operating from multiple locations across Australia.

By 1984, PCA had become a leading software development company specialising in the healthcare, retail, distribution and financial services sectors. In that year, IBM launched its personal computer.

PCA knew this heralded a new era for computing. To address the opportunities that lay ahead, Data^#3 was formed by acquisition and merger of Albrand Typewriters & Office Machines, an IBM Typewriter dealer with an excellent reputation and a wealth of experience in providing quality office equipment and supplies.

Prior to the official launch of Data^#3 in 1984, a new name was chosen to reflect the business. ‘Data’ represents the stability, strength and history of the company and the industry. The ‘^#3’ was chosen from the new IBM PC keyboard – the first to show the ‘#’ and the ‘3’ on the same key and as such captured the innovation and excitement of the future IT world.

Data^#3 – strength, stability and innovation.