Robert Frankenberg
American computer engineer and business executive
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert J. Frankenberg is an American computer engineer, technology executive, entrepreneur, venture investor, and business strategist. He is best known for serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Novell[1] during the mid-1990s and for his earlier leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard, where he helped develop numerous computer, networking, and personal computing technologies. Throughout his career he has been associated with the creation of multiple new computer product categories, networking innovations, and technology startups.[2]
Early life and education
Frankenberg developed an interest in engineering and electronics at an early age.[3] Before entering the technology industry, he worked in his family's jewelry business, where he learned precision mechanical skills including watch repair, engraving, and jewelry fabrication. He also worked in agriculture and later operated a neighborhood lawn-care business while attending elementary school.[4]
Following high school, Frankenberg enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era. Rather than serving in the Army after receiving a draft notice, he volunteered for the Air Force, where he was trained in electronics and the maintenance of computer-controlled long-range radar systems. These systems were some of the earliest large-scale computer networks. During his military service he completed approximately two years of college coursework and redesigned an important radar circuit that significantly improved system reliability. For this work he received the United States Air Force Commendation Medal.[5]
Frankenberg earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from San Jose State University in 1974, graduating with Great Distinction and membership in Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi. He later completed the Stanford Executive Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1986.[6]
Career
Hewlett-Packard
Frankenberg joined Hewlett-Packard as a manufacturing technician in the company's computer division. Within months he transferred into computer development, where he participated in prototype development, product testing, and engineering.[7]
During his tenure at Hewlett-Packard, Frankenberg led or directed the development of numerous pioneering computer systems and technologies that helped shape the evolution of enterprise computing, networking, and personal computing. These included the HP 3000 and HP 1000 computer families, early DRAM-based computer memory systems, floating-point processor technologies, and scientific instruction-set innovations. He also led the development of HP Office, one of the industry's earliest client-server office systems, HP NewWave object management software, and HP OpenView network management software. Under his leadership, HP introduced several landmark personal computing products, including the HP OmniBook notebook computer[8], the HP 100LX Personal Digital Assistant, HP Vectra personal computers, and HP LaserJet network printers, contributing to Hewlett-Packard's expansion into the personal computing and networking markets.[9] He also helped establish Hewlett-Packard's early connections to ARPANET, the precursor to the modern Internet.[2]
Later in his HP career Frankenberg became Vice President and General Manager of the Personal Information Products Group. Under his leadership HP's personal computer business underwent a significant turnaround, improving from a small market position to becoming one of the industry's leading PC businesses while returning to profitability.[10]
He also helped HP start a mentoring program where senior executives including him mentored managers early in their careers. The program was helpful to women and people of color who often lacked the mentoring connections vital to a career as a manager or executive.[11]
Novell
In 1994 Frankenberg became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Novell, then one of the world's largest networking software companies.[6][12]
Following Novell's acquisition of WordPerfect, the company faced increasing competitive pressure from Microsoft and major organizational challenges. Frankenberg initiated a restructuring focused on networking software, divesting non-core businesses and emphasizing enterprise networking technologies.[13]
During his tenure Novell strengthened its position in network software and continued development of technologies including Novell Directory Services (NDS), one of the earliest large-scale distributed directory systems. Company revenue grew to approximately $2 billion before his departure.[14]
He was succeeded as CEO by Eric Schmidt, who later became Chief Executive Officer of Google.[1]
Entrepreneurship
In 1996, Frankenberg established NetVentures, an investment and advisory firm focused on technology startups and business turnarounds. Through the firm he has invested in and advised dozens of technology companies, working closely with executive management teams to improve operations, growth , and corporate value.[15]
He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Encanto Networks, where he led development of the Encanto Web Server Appliance and InstantConnect, described as one of the first "Virtually Always On" (VAO) network services for small businesses.[16][17]
Later, he co-founded Kinzan.com, an early Internet Services Provider and relationship-networking company. The company developed technologies for electronic commerce and online relationship management and held patents related to Internet shopping technologies.[18]
Corporate boards
Throughout his career, Frankenberg has served as chairman, director, or board member of numerous public and private technology companies spanning the semiconductor, software, networking, Internet, and enterprise technology sectors. His board appointments have included Nuance Communications[19], National Semiconductor, America Online (AOL)[20], PowerQuest, Magnite[5], Secure Computing, Electroglas, Daw Technologies, Caere, Wall Data, Metrix, LowRatesUSA.com, Starlight Networks, and more. In these roles, he advised executive leadership on corporate strategy, business transformation, technology development, acquisitions, and growth initiatives, drawing on his experience in building and revitalizing technology businesses.[21]
Technical contributions
Over the course of his engineering and executive career, Frankenberg has contributed to significant advances in computer architecture, enterprise networking, software systems, and personal computing.[1] Under his leadership, engineering organizations developed technologies including distributed directory services, embedded networking software, client-server computing systems, object-oriented software management platforms, network management systems, Internet server appliances, personal digital assistants, thin notebook computers, network-enabled printers, and advanced computer memory systems. [4]He is also credited with leading the creation of more than a dozen new computer product categories, many of which influenced the evolution of enterprise computing, networking infrastructure, and personal computing technologies.[14]
Professional activities
He was a co-founder of the Object Management Group (OMG), an international consortium established to develop object-oriented software standards[22], and has been a member of the IEEE. He also participated in IEEE and ANSI committees responsible for networking and network management standards, contributed to networking initiatives through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and served as Hewlett-Packard's representative to the American Electronics Association.[13] In addition to his standards work, Frankenberg has been a frequent keynote speaker at major international technology conferences, including COMDEX, BrainShare, NetWorld+Interop, PC Forum, Internet Commerce Exposition, CommerceNet, HP User Group conferences, the Midwest Computer Conference, Agenda, and the Canon International Engineering Conference, where he spoke on topics including networking, enterprise computing, Internet technologies, and software innovation.[5]
Public service and philanthropy
Frankenberg has been actively involved in education, public service, and philanthropy throughout his career. He has served on the advisory boards and governing boards of several educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, including the San José State University School of Engineering Advisory Board[23], Westminster College Board of Trustees[16], Utah Governor’s Economic Development Board, Sundance Institute Board[24], Utah Valley State College Advisory Board, Stanford Graduate School of Business Alumni Board, United Way, and Placer Rehabilitation Industries. He has also supported charitable initiatives within the technology industry, serving as chairman of Chili for Children, a fundraising organization benefiting the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He founded The Frankenberg Family Foundation, which has supported many improvements in access to quality education and quality healthcare throughout the world.[25] Earlier in his career, Frankenberg served as a consultant to the World Bank on South Korea's first five-year electronics development plan, testified before the United States Congress on Military Computer Family architecture, and participated as an invited lecturer in the first U.S. technology trade mission to the People's Republic of China. These activities reflect his longstanding commitment to engineering education, public policy, international technology development, and community service.[5]
He was also involved with Westminster College (now University) and helped them start MasterTrack, a mentoring program for MBA students. In all he mentored over 30 early to mid-career professionals and MBA students.[15]
Honors and awards
Among Frankenberg's honors are:
- Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame (2001)[16]
- Smithsonian Fellow and Jefferson Scholar (1996)[26]
- Utah Governor's Distinguished Citizen Medal (1996)
- Distinguished Graduate, San José State University College of Engineering (1986)[23]
- United States Air Force Commendation Medal (1968)[5]
