AOL, previously known as America Online, was a popular Internet service provider in the early 1990s. The company and its capabilities grew as more and more users connected to the Internet.
It was founded in 1985 as Quantum Computer Services, an online services company by Jim Kimsey from the remnants of Control Video Corporation. But it was only until the 90s that AOL became popular. In 1989, Quantum launched its first instant messaging service and the service welcomed users with that familiar saying ‘You’ve got mail!’.
In 1996, AOL launched the Buddy List for chatting and debued the new Running Man as a new ‘AOLer’.
AOL merged with Time Warner to create AOL Time Warner in 2001 and in 2005, America Online made history when it became the first internet company to win an Emmy. AOL Inc became an independent, publicly-traded company in 2009.
