Welcome to ExecNet
ExecNet, short for The Executive Network, was founded in 1986 by Andy Keeves and later supported by Jeff Black, Thomas Juliano, and others. It started as a LAN-based Bulletin Board System powered by PCBoard. Over time, the platform became a central hub for IT professionals, developers, and LAN administrators, providing reliable discussion forums, tools, and professional support well before the public Internet became mainstream.
History Highlights
Testimonials
Hear what industry professionals and users have said about ExecNet.
“The Executive Network is one of the finest available to the microcomputer industry today. As an independent source of networking information, it is unparalleled.”
“I have learned quite a bit from productive exchanges with other users. Some of the information gathered here has been extremely useful.”
See all ExecNet Testimonials »
What You’ll Find on This Site
- Detailed history of the network’s origins and evolution, including a complete timeline
- Technical background on PCBoard, Novell NetWare, and early LAN integration
- Profiles of key contributors including Andy Keeves, Jeff Black, Thomas Juliano, and others
- Information on companies supporting the platform, including Cyllon Systems and Image’FX Productions
- Archived references, magazine coverage, and awards and recognition
- Historical preservation efforts, downloadable documentation, and a glossary of technical terms
- Contributions from former users and system operators (submit here)
Whether you’re a former Sysop, a previous user, a digital historian, or simply curious about early computing, this archive provides a clear and respectful record of what the network was and why it mattered. It documents one of the most influential pre-Internet systems, built from first-hand experience and preserved documentation to highlight its technical, cultural, and community impact.
This ongoing project welcomes contributions, corrections, and insights from those who were there to ensure the history remains accurate and complete.