I miss Compuserve

n the 1990s a formidable competition ran among the main internet service providers, which came to be known as the “Big Three.” The American Online (AOL), Prodigy and CompuServe were vying for supremacy and the most subscribers. CompuServe was the oldest, being founded in 1969 and offering its service long before the other two.

At that time CompuServe was the favorite among most computer professionals, computer hobbyists, and IT professionals for its superior user interface, ease of use and great customer service. It became a pioneer in the development of internet services and truly excelled in offering a wide range of services to its subscribers.

The CompuServe network allowed its users to exchange information with other users of the network, download software, upload or transfer files, and chat with other users in real time. The interface was so designed that almost all users regardless of their level of computer knowledge could manage it fairly easily. They had access to a wide range of services such as online news, online banking, online shopping, online gaming, and even access to e-mail services, allowing them to connect with other computer networks such as BITNET, USENET and Fidonet.

CompuServe became famous for its vast range of forums and discussion boards where subscribers could exchange ideas, opinions, information and support. In addition, CompuServe was known for its introduction of graphical browser technology, a revolutionary program called WebCrawler, offering all internet users a powerful, full-text search engine.

With the increase in competing players such as America Online, Prodigy and several other providers, CompuServe’s subscriber base decreased in the late 1990s, leading to the ultimate declining demand of the service itself. Eventually, after over 25 years in the business, on June 30th 2009, CompuServe shut down, leaving many nostalgic and longing for a time when the internet wasn’t so commercialized.

As a result of the closure of CompuServe, many subscribers still miss the easy-to-use user interface, the vast range of services and good customer service which the company provided for so many years. It was a great place for discussion and for exchanging information and many still remember it fondly. 

Ultimately, although the “Big Three” all faded from popularity, CompuServe, with its roots in pioneering internet services, is still missed by many, who remember it as an important and formative part of their lives.