CompuServe
CompuServe was one of the earliest and most significant online services providers in the United States, predating the World Wide Web. Here are key details about its history and operations:
History
- Foundation: CompuServe was founded in 1969 as Compu-Serv by Dr. Jeffrey Wilkins and John Goltz, originally to provide computer time-sharing services for businesses.
- Transformation: By the early 1970s, it evolved into an online service known as CompuServe, offering access to information and resources for a wide range of users.
- Public Offering: In 1979, CompuServe went public, expanding its reach and services.
- Consumer Service: In 1985, CompuServe introduced its consumer-oriented service, which was an early form of an online community where users could access forums, chat, download files, and use email.
- Expansion: Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, CompuServe expanded its offerings, including the introduction of graphical user interfaces and partnerships with software providers like AOL and Prodigy.
- Acquisition: In 1997, WorldCom acquired CompuServe for $1.2 billion. However, CompuServe continued to operate independently until its integration into other services.
- Decline: With the rise of the Internet and web browsers like Netscape and Microsoft's Internet Explorer, CompuServe's proprietary online system became less relevant. By 2009, CompuServe's dial-up services were discontinued in the U.S.
Services and Features
- Email: CompuServe was one of the first services to offer email to the general public, using addresses in the form of "user@compuserve.com".
- Forums: Known as "Forums" or "Special Interest Groups," these were discussion areas where users could share information on a wide array of topics from computing to hobbies.
- Downloads: CompuServe provided software, games, and other files for download, although users paid per minute for access.
- Chat: Real-time chat was available through various channels, providing an early form of instant messaging.
- News Services: Users could access news, stock quotes, and other real-time information services.
- Online Shopping: CompuServe had an early online shopping service known as the CompuServe Mall.
Legacy
CompuServe played a crucial role in shaping the Internet as we know it today:
- It was one of the first services to introduce the concept of an online community and user-generated content.
- CompuServe's email system and forums were early examples of social networking.
- The service influenced the development of modern online services, including how they manage user access, billing, and content distribution.
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