The Evolution of the Internet as a Global Information System

Abstract

The Internet began as a modest research experiment to link three early packet networks in an open-architecture framework. In due course, many other networks were connected, thus spawning a revolution in networking that continues to this day The early technology considerations inevitably led to social, administrative and commercial issues, and ultimately to political and societal issues as it spread worldwide. Today, the Internet is rapidly becoming a global information system in which all kinds of information can be accessed from virtually anywhere. The long-term ramifications of this rapidly evolving phenomenon are as unpredictable as that of society itself.