Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker release Napster, a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing service. It turns the music industry upside down overnight, popularizing the MP3 format and starting the global debate over digital piracy. Part of the 19… Read More »The Launch of Napster
In September, Larry Page and Sergey Brin incorporate Google Inc. in a friend’s garage in Menlo Park. Backed by a $100,000 check from Andy Bechtolsheim, they begin their mission to organize the world’s information. Part of the… Read More »Google is Officially Incorporated
In September, Larry Page and Sergey Brin officially register the domain google.com. The project moves out of Stanford’s servers and begins its journey to becoming the gateway to the world’s information. Part of the 18 Internet… Read More »Google.com is Registered
Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith launch HoTMaiL, one of the world’s first webmail services. By allowing users to access their inbox from any computer in the world for free, it liberates email from ISP-bound desktop software.… Read More »The Launch of Hotmail
The year 1995 is widely considered the “Year of the Web.” It was the pivotal moment when the internet transformed from a niche academic and military network into a global commercial phenomenon. As the world… Read More »16 Internet Evolution Facts: The 1995 Edition
Google releases a standalone virtual globe and geographical information program using satellite imagery. It allows everyday web users to instantly fly to any location on the planet from their computer. Part of the 20 Internet… Read More »The Launch of Google Earth
Jeremy Stoppelman and Russel Simmons found a localized business review platform. It replaces traditional physical directories by putting crowdsourced customer feedback at the center of local commerce. Part of the 18 Internet Evolution Facts: The… Read More »The Birth of Yelp
Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis release a peer-to-peer VoIP software. It allows internet users worldwide to make free, high-quality voice and video calls. Part of the 16 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2003 Edition archive. HistoricallyVerified
The e-commerce giant buys the online payment processor for $1.5 billion. The deal solidifies digital payments as the standard for internet commerce. Part of the 16 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2002 Edition archive. HistoricallyVerified
Lawrence Lessig founds a non-profit offering free copyright licenses. It bridges the gap between rigid law and open internet sharing. Part of the 16 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2001 Edition archive. HistoricallyVerified