Harris Origin Story
From a single idea in 1975 to a global leader in vertical market software, the story of Harris is one of innovation, evolution, and enduring growth.
A Familiar Crossroads
In 1996, Nigel Harris stood exactly where many founders stand today.
1996The Harris Reality (1996)
- Successful, specialized utility software business with a loyal customer base.
- Seeking capital and expertise to scale without compromising product quality.
- Wanted to ensure employees remained secure and the company culture survived.
TodayYour Opportunity (Today)
- Established market leader with mission-critical solutions and deep domain expertise.
- Looking for a permanent home that values long-term growth over short-term flips.
- Desire to protect your legacy, your brand, and the people who built it.
Harris became the blueprint for the decentralized model we use today. We treat your business the way Constellation treated ours: with autonomy, respect, and a forever perspective.
Our Journey
The Idea
The concept for an automated accounting system is conceived, laying the groundwork for what would become Harris.
Harris is Born
Nigel Harris purchases Litton Electronic Business Systems (LEBS) and establishes Harris Computer Corporation.
Strategic Partnership
Harris partners with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), a major player in the computer industry at the time.
Integrated Solutions
By the turn of the decade, Harris is successfully delivering combined hardware and software solutions to its clients.
The VMS Pivot
Harris makes a strategic pivot to focus exclusively on Vertical Market Software (VMS), setting the stage for its future specialization.
Entering Utilities
The company enters the utilities sector, a market that remains a core pillar of Harris's business today.
The Constellation Era
Nigel Harris sells the company to Constellation Software Inc. (CSI), becoming one of the foundational operating groups of the VMS giant.
A Legacy of Evolution
From a small accounting software startup to a global powerhouse in GovTech and beyond, Harris has never stopped evolving. Yet, our core commitment to our customers and our people remains unchanged.