The Evolution of the Internet

The Internet was first developed by the National Science Foundation as a means to link research scientists at different universities within the United States, and later, around the globe. Communicating via a single electronic medium, scientists could share research ideas and concepts quickly, facilitating innovation.

The development of HyperText Markup Language (HTML) enabled “point and click” graphics and text, forever changing the way business is conducted. Moreover, HTML became a universal standard, employed all over the world. A second major development was the technologies of “Web servers.” In the early 1990's, a small company known as Cisco Systems began to develop servers specifically designed for Web users. This company is a clear leader in this area today. Web servers allow smaller companies and individuals to create and develop Web sites with a minimum investment. With the development of Web-based “browsers” such as Netscape, users could instantaneously communicate and seek information across multiple organizations worldwide. This has changed the way that people work (i.e., via e-mail, online catalogs, retailing, and information), learn (via on-line learning resources such as scmrc.ncsu.edu), as well as how they live and play (via Web chat rooms, sports networks, and on-line games).