Measuring History: How One Unsung Company Quietly Changed The World

by Blake Snow

In 1976, three engineers from Austin, Texas created something that would one day touch the lives of more than half of the developed world. Neither “starting a revolution” nor “changing the world” was included in their mission statement. But with the help of some very smart people, a little dumb luck, and a lot of inventive customers, that’s exactly what happened.From its humble beginnings in a garage and narrowly avoiding a burnt-down headquarters, to making it to space and being honored by the Inventors Hall of Fame, this is the story of how National Instruments (NI) made history. It might not be sexy. It might not be cool. But it’s a true tale that just might change how you see the world.

200 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2020

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, full of stories I’d mostly heard before.
As a long-time, former employee, I wonder how much of “the NI way” really comes through. I‘ve always thought NI was a good business school in its own right—a good place to learn how decisions are made, leaders grown, failures learned from. This book gives only a tiny glimpse into that world.
Two or three stars for the book’s usefulness as a business guide. Four or five stars for telling the story of three great founders.

[Samuel Taggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

If some of the recent changes at NI have left you a little down, this book is a great pick-me-up. It captures the essence of what NI was when I was first introduced to them many years ago. It's a really good inspiring story. It also illuminates the huge impact they've had on the world. Also, the last chapter shed a lot of light for me on what's going on there now. It added some context to the current decision-making.