Remembering IDG's Pat McGovern: A Life that Reflects the Evolution of Technology and the Media

Given my background in tech PR, there's a distinct focus on technology in this Communications Watch blog, and there was sad news yesterday that bridges these two worlds: the passing of IDG founder Pat McGovern. Pat started a computer publishing, research and community-building empire more than 50 years ago, and since then, anyone who has touched the technology industry became familiar with publications like Computerworld, Network World and PC World; the analyst firm IDC; and conferences like SNW -- all part of the IDG empire.  The history of Pat McGovern's IDG is a reflection of the ebbs and flows of the computer industry and the evolution of the media.  His publications blossomed during the computer heyday, his analyst firm expanded its focus to address technology's broadening reach, and the rise of his IT conferences reflected new ways to address the needs of the tech community.  And through it all, tech PR and communication people like me watched and worked with these IDG properties. I was not only one of these folks -- I was fortunate to have an opportunity to have IDG as a PR client for several years.  But for anyone who was or is a follower of, or participant in, today's world of technology owes a debt to a man who did more to provide us insights into this industry than any other I can recall.  Thanks Pat McGovern.