Jon Postel
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Jonathan Bruce Postel (August 6, 1943 – October 16, 1998) made many significant contributions to the creation of the Internet, particularly in the area of standards. The Economist dubbed him the "God" of the Internet, and many still refer to him as the network's principal founder.[1] He is largely known for being the Editor of the RFC document series, and for managing the creation and allocation of Top Level Domains and IP addresses in the pre-ICANN era. When he passed away he was the Director of the University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute's Computer Network Division; he led a staff of 70.[2] He pioneered many initiatives, which led to creation of the modern Internet and its governing body, ICANN; he established IANA, ICANN's precursor and the current Internet numbering authority.[3]
Mr. Postel died from complications related to heart surgery. It happened at a critical time in the history of the Internet's development, as the Clinton administration prepared to transfer oversight of the network to the organization he helped to build, ICANN.[4]
Beginnings of the Internet[edit | edit source]
While a graduate student and researcher at UCLA, Jon became involved with the ARPANET.[5] After UCLA he briefly worked at Mitre and SRi, before coming to the ISI, where he spent the remaining 21 years of his career, attaining the position of Director.[6]
Education[edit | edit source]
Jon received his B.Sc ( 1966), his M.A. (Engineering,