AI Square CommunityThis world wide web day, hear from one of the pioneers who played a critical role in shaping search engines as they are today. Gunjan Sinha is the founder of AISquare — he is passionate about AI for good and Gaming for Purpose. His passion for creating is what not only drove him to create AISquare, but also WhoWhere? which is what we wanted to share with you to inspire you on your path of creating. So make sure to read his story he shared with us!
Pioneering the Early Web: My Journey with WhoWhere?
In the mid-1990s, the Internet was a nascent frontier, brimming with untapped potential and endless possibilities. It was during this transformative period that I co-founded WhoWhere?, an early Internet directory service that would become one of the most visited websites on the planet by 1997. This is the story of how we navigated the early web landscape and built a pioneering platform that left a lasting impact.
The Birth of WhoWhere?
In January 1995, the Internet was still a relatively unknown entity to the general public. Most people accessed the web through dial-up connections, and the concept of online directories was still in its infancy. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive directory service, we launched WhoWhere? with the mission of connecting people and providing easy access to online information.
Rapid Growth and Innovation
From the outset, WhoWhere? aimed to be more than just a directory. We introduced innovative features such as Internet white pages, which allowed users to search for individuals and businesses online. Our platform also offered MailCity, a free email service, and Angelfire, a web hosting service that enabled users to create their own websites. These services quickly gained popularity, contributing to our rapid growth. By 1997, WhoWhere? had become one of the top 15 most visited websites globally. Our success was driven by a combination of user-friendly features, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to staying ahead of the technological curve. We were not just a directory; we were a gateway to the burgeoning world of the Internet.
The Lycos Acquisition
Our growth did not go unnoticed. In August 1998, WhoWhere? was acquired by Lycos, one of the leading Internet search engines of the time, for $133 million. This acquisition was a testament to the value and potential of our platform. Under Lycos, WhoWhere? continued to thrive, integrating our services into their broader portal strategy and expanding our reach even further.
Reflections on the Early Internet
Looking back, the mid-1990s were a period of incredible innovation and excitement. The Internet was a new and uncharted territory, and we were among the pioneers shaping its future. The skepticism that existed at the time, as highlighted by articles like Clifford Stoll’s in Newsweek, only fueled our determination to prove the doubters wrong and demonstrate the transformative power of the Internet.
Legacy and Impact
The success of WhoWhere? laid the foundation for future ventures and innovations in the tech industry. It was a springboard that propelled me and my colleagues into new opportunities and challenges. Today, the Internet is an integral part of our daily lives, but it is important to remember and celebrate the early efforts that helped shape its evolution. In conclusion, my journey with WhoWhere? was a remarkable experience that underscored the importance of vision, innovation, and perseverance. As one of the earliest search engines and directory services, WhoWhere? played a pivotal role in the early days of the web, and its legacy continues to inspire the next generation of Internet pioneers.
ABOUT AISQUARE
AISquare is an innovative platform designed to gamify the learning process for developers. Leveraging an advanced AI system, AISquare generates and provides access to millions, potentially billions, of questions across multiple domains. By incorporating elements of competition and skill recognition, AISquare not only makes learning engaging but also helps developers demonstrate their expertise in a measurable way. The platform is backed by the Dynamic Coalition on Gaming for Purpose (DC-G4P), affiliated with the UN’s Internet Governance Forum, which actively works on gamifying learning and exploring the potential uses of gaming across various sectors. Together, AISquare and DC-G4P are dedicated to creating games with a purpose, driving continuous growth and development in the tech industry.
