Classic Micro Systems

The Atari 800 introduced in 1979 was Dave's first computer and featured cartridge-based games and software.

The original IBM PC introduced in 1981 was the beginning of large scale business adoption of the desktop computer.

The IBM PCjr introduced in 1984 and was Dave's second computer and on which his first commercial software programs, PASS and MicroLedger were written in Basic.

The original Compaq Portable introduced in 1983 formally became the first computer used by Classic Micro Systems and was used as a portable software demo system!

• 1986 - Classic Micro Systems was founded by Dave McCann who began by developing a vertical-market accounting system written in R:base and designed for court reporting agencies. Dave also provided freelance computer training services for several years through several computer training firms in the Southern California area to such companies as Northrop, Disney, LACTC/MTA, and Los Amigos Research among others. Dave's focus was R:base Programming, Microsoft Word, and general MS-DOS training.
• 1989 - As our vertical-market software sales increased, we started selling desktop computers by Acer and Everex and later this year became Novell-authorized and started selling complete multi-user office solutions as we built relationships with prominent hardware and software vendors like Acer, AST, Microsoft, and Intel.
• 1990 - We completed and shipped version 2 of our Court Reporting software, The Agency Manager, written in the R:base Compiler and also began work on another large R:base contract project.
• 1995 - It had become apparent that we could not provide the kind of high-quality service and support by selling branded PC's, having to rely on poor vendor support, so we established our white-box business first with AMI and later with AOpen components. We regularly attended Comdex and worked to establish partnerships with component suppliers.
• 1997 - By now we had partnered with Intel and were early members of their Intel Products Dealer program and also Microsoft OEM partners. Intel worked to establish standards for chassis and motherboard design and by providing top notch dealer support helped to build the white-box business with desktop and server systems.
• 1998 - Microrim, the makers of R:base (our database development system of choice) closes their doors and sells the product making our future with R:base uncertain so we basically stop developing any new database applications and focus on hardware and network sales and support exclusively.
• 2000 - The Year 2000 scare came and went, we updated numerous system to be compliant and this would be the last year any major revisions to our DOS-era R:base applications would be made. The dot.com bubble burst and tech stocks plunged!
• 2006 - We began experimenting with sales of whitebook notebook computers under the Verified By Intel design and we started selling Electric Go-Ped's under the website gallopingopeds.com (primarily as a fun hobby).
• 2007 - We rejoin the R:base Developer's program, R:base, now owned by a former developer and named R:base Technologies has had a 6 year history of improving the product and has produced a very fine Windows development platform with the solid database foundation that has been in the product since it's inception.
• 2008 - After a six-month rollout to selected clients, we officially launch our entry into the Managed Services business offering service under the name Virtual IT with plans for desktops and servers at various price and service levels. Initial reaction is very positive and that part of our business grows despite a down economy.

As is apparent in our timeline, our early experience in the programming and training field shaped our focus on both the technical side as well as the user side of computing. And we continue to evolve and utilize the latest technology from industry-leading technology companies, always finding ways that these technologies will benefit our clients.

One of our 1996 AOpen Systems


Comdex 1997 - Dave with Raiderettes


Comdex 1997 - Novell Booth


Comdex 1998 peaked this year with 220,000 attendees and 2.55 million sq ft of exhibitors (both records). Comdex would tail off until the last show in 2003.


We began a new chapter as an MSP with the introduction of Vritual IT in late 2007.