LAN networking technology grew out of the desire to interconnect computers within a workgroup. Sharing what where very expensive computer resources like data storage space, printers, plotters, backup and other devices fueled this desire, along with cooperative work projects that included every kind of task from data entry to resolving complex algorithms in a multi-computer environment.

But whatever the intended outcome, whether propelled by scientific or business ends, this need to interconnect computer systems in a workgroup grew in an exponential fashion from the late 1970’s to the present time. Some of the very early computer networking pioneers where IBM and DEC. These vendors concentrated on making their mainframe and minicomputer systems more productive to their very large, to medium sized business customers, as well as advanced technical clients in military and academic research settings.

But quite a bit of innovation was coming from the bottom up, as well, with Personal Computers, initially the domain of computer enthusiasts, accomplishing more and more complex business tasks. The early pioneers here were most notably Novell Networks and Apple Computer. In 1983, Novell Networks developed a powerful Network Operating System called Netware designed to run on a PC and provide distributed network access from client PCs to various computer resources. Apple Computer revolutionized the typesetting business forever with the introduction of the Apple LaserWriter in 1985. Apple’s Macintosh computer line, and the new LaserWriter printer, came pre-configured with a built-in workgroup networking scheme.

Over time, the high and low ends of the computer market caught up with each other as PC processor manufacturers, notably Intel, AMD and Motorola, provided the computing muscle to handle high end needs, all the while providing more power for Microsoft, Apple, and various Unix operating system producers to add greater network functionality to their software products.