Networks

We can may simplify the evolution of network into three phases. 

In the first phase computers were enabled to communicate with each other.  Sometimes the communication was confined to like computers (eg the now obscure Z-net developed by Zilog and RM), less frequently, but more importantly, the communication was between dissimilar computers, so taking a first step towards a standards based approach. Ethernet, developed by Robert Metcalfe, emerged from Xerox and became the IEEE 802.3 standard in 1982 

Having enabled communication, people looked for applications of networking.  Through the mid and late 1980s and the first part of the 1990's the applications were primarily about sharing resources.  The characteristics of this second phase were technological improvements and market extension through cost reduction.  Cost reduction was driven by the emergence of both de facto standards such as Novell Netware then true standards such as TCP/IP and various enhancements of ethernet such as 100BASET.

The third and current phase of network evolution is all about standards based and enabled exchange of information and access to services.  Networks have now extended well beyond conventional computers, most obvious to mobile phones, and to an extent that is requiring significant overhauls of core network standards, such as the introduction of IPv6.  The exchange of information and services is made possible by a blizzard of acronyms such as XML and SOAP.

For the user, the above translates into access to cheaper, faster and better services, that support businesses and other organisations in achieving their goals, with a simplicity and reliability that belies the complexity of the underlying technologies and systems.