Vaughn Duck

Vaughn Duck

Retired Software Pioneer | Poet, Lyricist & Storyteller in Code & Verse

From IBM's First Midwest System/360 to Jazz Souls in Nice, France

Introduction
M. Vaughn Duck’s life arcs between machine logic and soulful lyricism. A self-described “Lyricist, Poet, and Escapist, where life resembles a rollercoaster—full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and where it stops is somewhere between heaven and hell.” From pioneering software systems in the Midwest to crafting verse on the shores of the Mediterranean, his story is one of reinvention. A journey that bridges analysis and art, inspiring others to do the same.

About
M. Vaughn Duck’s life is a tapestry woven from two distinct yet connected threads: the precision of technology and the lyricism of art. Born in Rockford, Illinois, in 1943, he pioneered new frontiers in computing, orchestrating one of the Midwest’s first IBM System/360 installations and later founding firms such as Integrated Micro Systems, Governmental Data Systems, and Interactive Software Products. His executive leadership roles at Global 360 and Tyler Technologies helped transform enterprise software for governments, courts, elections, and retailers, leaving a legacy of innovation that shaped industries and earned him recognition in Marquis Who’s Who. In 2010,

Duck retired to Nice, France, trading tech’s demands for the sun, sand, and snow of the Riviera, embracing poetry and lyricism as a second calling. His body of work now spans 135+ poems and lyrics published on Medium and WordPress, where themes of love, mortality, memory, and human connection flow through works like Twenty Years (2025), a tribute to enduring bonds; My Hero (2025), honoring his father; The Old Black Train (2016), reflecting on life’s end; What Lies Beyond the Shadows (2016), for friends Eurold and Vivian; When You’re Crazy in Your Head (2015), exploring inner turmoil; Chasing the Elusive Dream (2024), inspired by Alpine hikes; and Farewell - My Last Song (2025), a reflection on life’s journey and farewell.

Essays & Articles
His 60+ essays and articles, such as Afterlife: Preserving Heritage, showcase his curiosity and global outlook:

Afterlife: Merging Quantum Theory with Spiritualityr
Côte d’Azur: A Travel Guide: Capturing Riviera Culture
Polish Cooking: Recipes from Tradition: Preserving Heritage
Published on Medium, these pieces reflect a mind shaped by tech rigor and creative wanderlust.

Music
Duck also made his mark in music through his collaboration with French musician Sonny Axell on the 2016 funky contemporary jazz album Kickback (recorded 2016 at Studio 26, Antibes; debuted live at Galerie Depardieu, Nice, 2017).
As lyricist and co-producer, all nine tracks are infused with soul, R&B, and jazz echoes of Prince and Ray Charles.

“Kickback”
“Nighttime Lady”
“I Don’t Get It”
“Empty Faces” (ballad tribute to Amy Winehouse)
“Down in the Bottom”
“Love’s Wild and Crazy Ride”
“One Way Ticket”
“Little Boy Dreams”
“It’s Who I Am”

Experience History Timeline

1962–1964 | Unit Record Operator, Armour Meat, Chicago, IL
• Operated IBM punch-card systems; studied at Automation Institute.
1964–1967 | MIS Director, G.C. Electronics, Rockford, IL
• Led Midwest’s first IBM System/360 install.
1968–1979 | General Manager, Computer Services Center | President, Rockford Data Systems, Rockford, IL
• Provided data processing services to businesses and government; acquired and rebranded as Rockford Data Systems.
1980–1982 | President & Founder, Integrated Micro Systems, Rockford, IL
• Built ballot-counting hardware for elections.
1983–1985 | President & Founder, Governmental Data Systems, Rockford, IL
• Created real-time election software.
1986–1988 | EVP, Election Division, Business Records Corp, Dallas, TX
• Led election projects for Cook County, IL, and Louisiana.
1989–2009 | President & Founder, Interactive Software Products, Rockford, IL
• Designed retail POS systems using IBM PC-AT and PC Jr. terminals.
2002–2004 | Managing Director, Global 360, Paris, France
• Expanded European operations, building partnerships.
2004–2006 | VP, Document Management, Global 360, Cerritos, CA
• Advanced enterprise content solutions.
2007–2009 | VP, Civil Court Software, Tyler Technologies, Dallas, TX
• Streamlined municipal justice systems.
2010–Present | Poet & Lyricist, Self-Employed, Nice, France
• Published 135+ poems, 60+ articles; produced Kickback (2016).

Education
Automation Institute, Chicago, IL
Associate’s Degree in Systems Design and Programming | 1962–1964
Studied systems design, programming, and business data processing while working part-time, blending academic and practical experience

Photos
Defining Moments in the Life and Times of M. Vaughn Duck

These images capture pivotal chapters from a journey spanning technology, music, and poetry across decades and continents.

Connect

[email protected] | Explore my work on Medium

https://medium.com/@mvaughnduck