About ExecNet

ExecNet: A Professional BBS Network (Founded 1986)

ExecNet represents an early professional alternative to hobbyist BBS culture, predating widespread public access to the Internet and helping define how serious technical communities operated online. Today, this site serves as a historical archive documenting the professional BBS that helped shape early networking.

Full Name: The Executive Network
Founded: 1986
Founder: Andy Keeves
Acquired By: Image’FX Productions Inc.
Original Platform: PCBoard Bulletin Board System
Current Status: Historical archive site documenting ExecNet

Origins and Early Development

Founded in 1986 by Andy Keeves and later supported by contributors including Jeff Black and Thomas Juliano, ExecNet began as a LAN-based BBS built on PCBoard software. It quickly became a professional hub for IT specialists, network administrators, and developers, offering reliable access to discussion forums, tools, and resources before the Internet became widely accessible.

Purpose and Professional Focus

Unlike hobbyist BBS systems of the era, ExecNet was professionally managed and technically advanced, emphasizing accuracy, stability, and practical utility for enterprise and IT professionals.

• Professionally moderated and maintained
• Technically focused rather than recreational
• Content-rich and carefully curated
• Recognized through national awards

Key Features and Services

• Operated on PCBoard software with multi-node support
• Originally ran on Novell NetWare using 8088 and 80286 systems
• Later migrated from DOS to IBM OS/2, consolidating multiple nodes on a single server
• Supported conference-style messaging and multi-line access
• Connected with Ilink and FidoNet networks
• Offered SLIP and PPP Internet access in later years
• Maintained an award-winning, curated professional software library
• Served as a bridge between traditional BBS networks and early Internet technologies

Commercial Services and Recognition

ExecNet expanded into commercial services and early Internet offerings, providing shell-based connectivity via Telnet, FTP, Gopher, as well as SLIP and PPP for web browsing, email, and Usenet.

The platform earned national recognition, including the Dvorak Telecommunications Award, coverage in PC World, Byte Magazine, Business Week, and appearances on major television networks.

Technological Advancement

ExecNet continuously improved its technical infrastructure, developing custom PCBoard enhancements, automation scripts, and adopting OS/2 for greater scalability and multi-node stability, ensuring a high-performance professional network.

Transition to Internet Services

With the rise of the Internet, ExecNet shifted from a BBS-only platform to offer FTP-based software distribution, web-hosted content, and business networking solutions, while maintaining support for local organizations such as the City of Mount Vernon. Dedicated T1 circuits provided by Digex ensured reliable connectivity during rapid Internet adoption.

Acquisition and Preservation

As traditional BBS platforms declined and Cyllon Systems International, Ltd. ceased operations, ExecNet was acquired by Thomas Juliano via Image’FX Productions Inc., preserving its archives, software, and documentation for historical reference.

Legacy

ExecNet remains a foundational example of professional online networks, early Internet integration, and collaborative technical systems. Its historical archive continues to provide valuable insights for digital historians, former users, and IT professionals.