CompuServe, originally known as CompuServe Information Service (CIS), was one of the first major commercial online services in the United States. Founded in 1969 as a subsidiary of Golden United Life Insurance, CompuServe gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s by providing a variety of computer-related services such as file sharing, bulletin boards, and one of the earliest forms of electronic mail (email). It was particularly recognized for its robust technical community and a wide array of forums dedicated to various subjects.
Historical Context of CompuServe
CompuServe emerged at a time when the concept of a global computer network was still in its infancy. Initially established to provide time-sharing computer services for businesses, it transitioned in the mid-1970s to offering services for home users. By the early 1980s, CompuServe had positioned itself as a leader in the nascent online services industry.
Early Years
- Founded: 1969
- Initial Purpose: Time-sharing services for business computers
- Transition to Online Services: Mid-1970s
Growth and Popularity
- Expansion into the Consumer Market: Late 1970s
- Robust Technical Community: CompuServe’s discussion forums on a wide range of topics
- Innovative Features: Early adopter of electronic mail (email)
Key Features of CompuServe
Electronic Mail (Email)
CompuServe was one of the first services to offer email, predating widespread Internet adoption. This allowed users to send messages to one another, laying the groundwork for modern email systems.
File Sharing
CompuServe featured extensive file-sharing capabilities, where users could upload and download software, documents, and other digital content.
Bulletin Boards and Forums
CompuServe’s bulletin boards and forums were some of its most popular features. These were organized into various interest groups, fostering a strong sense of community among users.
Online Shopping and News
An early example of e-commerce, CompuServe provided shopping services and access to news, stock quotes, and weather reports, paving the way for later online information services.
Comparisons and Relations to Other Services
- America Online (AOL): AOL eventually purchased CompuServe in 1998, integrating many of CompuServe’s features.
- Prodigy Services Corporation: Another contemporary competitor which offered similar services like email, online shopping, and forums.
FAQs About CompuServe
Q1: When did CompuServe start offering consumer services?
CompuServe started offering services to consumers in the late 1970s, expanding beyond its original intent of business-oriented time-sharing services.
Q2: What made CompuServe’s forums unique?
CompuServe’s forums provided a structured and moderated environment where users could engage in discussions on a multitude of subjects, fostering a robust and supportive technical community.
Q3: How did CompuServe influence modern Internet services?
CompuServe was a pioneer in various domains such as email, file sharing, and online forums. Its early adoption of these services laid the foundations for features that are now standard on the modern internet.
Summary
CompuServe was a groundbreaking online service that significantly contributed to the development of early digital communication and community building. Established in 1969, it transitioned from business time-sharing to consumer online services in the 1970s, marking itself as a pioneer in email, file sharing, and forums. Acquired by AOL in 1998, CompuServe’s legacy continues to influence modern internet services.
References
- “A brief history of CompuServe: The pioneering online service ahead of its time”, TechRadar.
- “Internet Beginnings: How CompuServe Paved the Way”, Wired Archives.
- “CompuServe and The Early Days of Online Services”, Internet History Museum.
