1981
NUD*IST software was first developed by Tom Richards to support social research by Lyn Richards. One of the first qualitative research programs of its kind, the product stood for 'Non-Numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorizing'. It helps to change the way that qualitative research is conducted.
1982 to 1994
Initially part of a University research project, our NUD*IST software continues to develop. Two further major releases are launched, and they include a range of world first innovations including tools to further automate manual tasks, enhance analysis and integrate with statistical software. It is the world's leading qualitative research software and is used in over twenty countries.
1995
QSR International is formed, and the original founders are Tom and Lyn Richards. Also, the first of many international events takes place to specifically focus on training expert researchers to teach QSR software.
World leading supplier of books and online media, SAGE Publications, signs a five year agreement to distribute QSR products in the United Kingdom and the United States. This marks the start of QSR's global operations.
1997
QSR launches N4, the fourth version in the NUD*IST software range. N4 introduces the ability to work with statistical data and offers greater teamwork support with inbuilt tools for merging and sharing information easily.
1999
The first NVivo software product is developed by Tom Richards and released. It contains unique tools specifically for fine, detailed analysis and qualitative modeling. It is heralded as the next generation of qualitative research software.
The first international conference on strategies for research with qualitative software is held in the UK. It focuses on QSR software. The event is a success and is held annually thereafter. In a world first for our industry, it remains as the only independent conference dedicated to working with our software.
2000
QSR launches N5. From project set up and document preparation to accessing tools quickly and easily from the new interface - N5 brings a new level of speed and convenience to qualitative research.
Over 100,000 people in over seventy countries are now licensed to use QSR software.
2001
QSR International wins the "Information and Communications Technology" category in the Governor of Victoria (Australia) Export Awards.
2002
QSR launches its N6 software with exciting new innovations that ensure it can handle very large amounts of data and automate an even wider range of clerical tasks. Like all the NUD*IST and NVivo releases to date, it is developed by Tom and Lyn Richards.
QSR launches NVivo 2. It contains new tools for showing and examining data, supporting finer analysis and more detailed searching.
Nearly sixty organizations now hold site licenses for QSR software.
2003
QSR opens sales offices in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Over 200,000 researchers in over ninety countries are now licensed to use QSR software.
Over 150 organizations hold site licenses for QSR software.
QSR software is published in nearly a dozen teaching texts and independent publications.
Qualitative research courses are now including QSR software. The first university conference on teaching qualitative research with QSR software is held in Wisconsin, USA. Its proceedings are published and it becomes a biennial event.
2004
QSR International receives a commendation for "Information and Communications Technology" in the Governor of Victoria (Australia) Export Awards.
QSR launches XSight, the world's first software specifically designed for working with unstructured information in a commercial context. XSight receives widespread coverage in market research and marketing journals around the world.
Over 300 organizations hold site licenses for QSR software, including Ipsos-MORI, which is the largest independent market research agency in the UK.
2005
Over seventy trainers offer workshops or consulting on QSR's website, with another thirty offering site support.
QSR receives national recognition for its commitment to innovation and is awarded the R&D Commercial Ready grant from AusIndustry.
XSight 1.1 is released in April, delivering a wide range of enhancements to market researchers working with qualitative data. XSight 1.2 is also released, in October.
Prominent UK writer and software reviewer, Tim Macer, publishes an independent review of XSight 1.2 in Quirk's Marketing Research Review (US), December 2005.
2006
QSR becomes a Microsoft Gold Partner in January.
NVivo 7 is launched in February. It takes the best of QSR's NVivo 2 and N6 software, and adds innovative new features and tools. It allows qualitative researchers to manage, code, analyze and report on data in ways they never thought possible.
In June, NVivo 7 is used as a reference project at Microsoft conference, TechEd, in Boston.
XSight 2 is released in September. Its new sophisticated workspace provides rich tools for capturing high level thoughts and ideas and new flexible views for reflection and review.
QSR wins the Information and Communications Technology Award at the Governor of Victoria Export Awards in October.
Also in October, XSight is incorporated into the syllabus of Southampton University’s new MSc Marketing Analytics degree. The move makes Southampton the first tertiary institution in Europe to actively train marketing students in qualitative research software.
2007
Over 350,000 researchers in nearly 100 countries are now licensed to use QSR software.
In May, QSR is selected as a finalist in the Applications and Infrastructure Tools category in the 2007 Australian Information Industry Association iAwards.
In a world first, QSR partners with Japanese firm Hulinks to deliver qualitative research software programs in Japanese.
In September, our XSight software is selected as a finalist for the MRS/ASC Technology Effectiveness Awards in the UK.
QSR launches a new website tool in November. 'Help me choose' provides guidance on the QSR software that best suits your project.
QSR establishes an authorized training program in the United States and United Kingdom.
2008
NVivo 8 is launched in March.
In August, QSR launches Simplified Chinese and Spanish versions of NVivo 8. A Japanese version of NVivo 8 follows in October.
QSR International wins the Information and Communication Technology category at the 2008 Governor of Victoria Export Awards in October.
In December, QSR is named as one of Dynamic Business Magazine’s ‘Standout Businesses of 2008’.
2009
More than 400,000 users in over 150 countries are now licensed to use QSR software.
QSR launches eWorkshops which allow users from across the globe to participate in online training workshops from the convenience of their home or office.
In April, QSR releases French and German versions of NVivo 8.
QSR launches the inaugural NVivo Teaching Grant Program for academics teaching qualitative research methods at American and Canadian universities.
QSR announces a new partnership with Malaysian based firm StatWorks in June. StatWorks assumes responsibility for the management of QSR’s entire reseller network in Malaysia and Singapore, as well as delivering local support and training.
In September, QSR is named as the winner of the Australian Dell Small Business Excellence Award 2009.
QSR was named the 2009 Victorian Business of the Year in The Age/Dun & Bradstreet Business Awards in November.
In December, our NVivo 8 software won the Market Research Society/Association for Survey Computing Award for Technology Effectiveness.
