Other World Computing

Other World Computing, commonly known as OWC, is an American technology brand specializing in storage, memory, and connectivity products for Mac and PC platforms. Founded in 1988 by Larry O'Connor, the company is headquartered in Woodstock, Illinois, and operates as a privately held business. OWC built its reputation by offering high-quality upgrades and accessories that extend the life and performance of Apple computers, a niche it has served since the late 1980s. The brand's product portfolio includes external SSDs, RAID storage systems, memory upgrades, docking stations, and various adapters and cables. OWC is particularly known for its Thunderbolt and USB-C solutions, as well as its line of Mercury and Envoy series storage products. The company also operates an online store that sells both its own branded products and third-party accessories, serving creative professionals, businesses, and consumers. OWC has maintained a strong focus on the Mac community, often releasing upgrades and peripherals shortly after new Apple hardware launches. Its products are distributed through its own website and select retailers. The company has expanded its reach internationally, shipping to customers around the world. Despite competition from larger storage and accessory manufacturers, OWC has retained a loyal customer base by emphasizing compatibility, performance, and customer support. In recent years, OWC has continued to innovate with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 products, as well as software utilities for drive management. The company remains privately held and does not disclose detailed financial information. Its headquarters in Woodstock includes warehouse and support operations, and it has a significant online presence.

Other World Computing was founded in 1988 by Larry O'Connor in Woodstock, Illinois. The company initially focused on providing upgrades and accessories for Apple Macintosh computers, a market that was underserved at the time. OWC quickly gained a reputation for offering high-quality memory upgrades and storage solutions that allowed users to extend the life of their Macs. In the 1990s and 2000s, OWC expanded its product line to include external hard drives, optical drives, and later solid-state drives. The company became an authorized reseller of Apple products and other brands, while continuing to develop its own branded offerings. OWC's Mercury line of storage products became popular among creative professionals who needed reliable, high-capacity storage for video editing and other demanding tasks. With the transition to Thunderbolt and USB-C connectivity, OWC was among the first to market with compatible docks and storage solutions. The company also introduced the OWC Envoy series of portable SSDs, which were designed to be compatible with Apple's proprietary storage modules. In 2019, OWC acquired the Akitio brand, a manufacturer of Thunderbolt and USB storage solutions, further expanding its product portfolio. Throughout its history, OWC has remained privately held and has not pursued public listing. The company continues to operate from its Woodstock headquarters and sells its products globally through its website and authorized resellers. It has maintained a strong presence in the Mac community through sponsorships, trade shows, and online forums.

• 2019

  Acquired Akitio, a manufacturer of Thunderbolt and USB storage solutions.

• 1988

  Founded by Larry O'Connor in Woodstock, Illinois.

Premium upgrades and accessories for Mac and PC users, with a focus on performance, compatibility, and reliability.

• Mercury Elite Pro

  External storage solution for professionals.

• Envoy Pro

  Portable SSD compatible with Apple storage modules.

• Thunderbolt Dock

  Docking station for expanding connectivity.

1. 1OWC Official Websiteowc.com
2. 2OWC launches stunning 8TB Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSDbetanews.com