Released in late 1987 by The Software Toolworks, the program aimed to enhance users' typing skills through a series of interactive lessons and games.

Founded by Les Crane, Walt Bilofsky, and Mike Duffy, The Software Toolworks[2] became widely known for developing Chessmaster 2000, a popular chess simulator.

[citation needed] The character Mavis Beacon, famously associated with teaching typing, was originally portrayed by Haitian-born model Renee L'Esperance.

[4][5] Les Crane, a former talk-show host and an early partner in The Software Toolworks, played an integral role in creating the persona of Mavis Beacon.

She was paid $500 for posing for the marketing photo, wasn't involved in the development or the sales of the software, and did not share in any of the presumably significant profits generated by the product.

[12] The New York Times technology writer Peter Lewis notes its potential to improve typing skills.