The internet started life in the USA as a number of separate networks and while it developed over a long period of time it is generally accepted that the early 80s was the birth and the turning point from which there was no return.

A young software consultant at the CERN institute in Switzerland by the name of Tim (now Sir Tim) Berners-Lee, developed Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), refined and developed the American network ideas and invented the name World Wide Web.

Among the first commercial networks was a company then known as Quantum Computer Services.

In 1989 this company was renamed America Online or AOL as we now know it. AOL eventually merged with the publishing and entertainment conglomerate, Time Warner.

By 1988 the number of internet users was doubling every year and it was claimed to have fuelled massive economic growth, which was sharply halted in the late 90’s when the internet bubble burst as companies floundered to find ways of making the new technology pay its way.

From the start of the 21st century, internet usage found its feet commercially and once again raced ahead, this time making money for those who used it wisely.