The Internet began in 1969 with four computers at different universities, mainly as a conceptual project to demonstrate usefulness and feasibility. The research on the fundamental concepts for packet switching, which allows the exchange of data over the Internet began in 1961. In the 1970s and 1980s, as the Internet grew, companies such as AOL, Prodigy and CompuServe began offering online services to customers.

CompuServe

CompuServe was established in 1969 and first offered online services in 1979 as the CompuServe Information Service. The online service was only available during nighttime hours.

CompuServe Internet

Compuserve began expanding into Internet related services with acquisitions in 1994. By 1996, the company fully embraced the internet and allowed its subscribers access to the world wide web.

Prodigy

Prodigy began as a joint venture between IBM and Sears. Offering the first consumer-oriented online service, Prodigy began service in 1988.

Prodigy Internet

In 1993, Prodigy began offering access to Internet e-mail to PC users and Usenet bulletin board access in 1994. In 1995, Prodigy became the first online service to offer its own web browser.

AOL

Quantum Computer Services began providing online service for Commodore users in 1985 and began offering PC and Apple computer users America Online, a nationwide network, in 1989. Quantum changed its name to America Online Incorporated in 1991.

AOL Internet

AOL went Internet in 1994 with the purchase of its own Internet service provider, ANS, and offered limited Internet access the following year.

Source:

A Brief History of the Internet

CompuServe Company History

Prodigy Company History