About ExecNet

Full Name: The Executive Network
Founded: 1986
Founder: Andy Keeves
Acquired By: Image’FX Productions Inc.
Original Platform: PCBoard (BBS Software)
Previous Status: Integrated into Image’FX Productions
Current Status: Historical Site about ExecNet itself
Origins and Early Development:
ExecNet, short for The Executive Network, was established in 1986 by Andy Keeves and later supported by Jeff Black, Thomas Juliano and others. It began as a LAN-focused Bulletin Board System (BBS) built on PCBoard software and became a highly respected hub for network professionals across the United States and beyond.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, BBS systems were the primary means of digital networking before the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web. ExecNet quickly grew into a centralized hub for IT professionals, offering file sharing, software downloads, discussion forums, and technical support for system administrators.
In the pre-internet era of the 1980s and early 1990s, BBS systems were the dominant form of digital communication and collaboration. ExecNet quickly became a centralized hub for system administrators and technical professionals.
Origins & Purpose:

ExecNet was initially created to serve IT professionals working in the emerging field of Local Area Networking (LAN). Unlike hobbyist BBS systems of the time, ExecNet was:

  • Professionally operated
  • Technically advanced
  • Content-rich
  • Award-winning

It provided a reliable platform for file distribution, technical discussion, and peer collaboration, at a time when such tools were rare or fragmented.  Its text-based BBS platform remained active for many years and is still remembered for its speed, reliability, and technical precision.

Key Features:
  • Ran on PCBoard BBS software
  • Used Novell NetWare and 8088/80286 systems
  • Supported multi-line access, conference-style message boards, and Ilink message networks
  • Offered SLIP/PPP internet access in its later years
  • Hosted a curated, award-winning software archive
  • Acted as a gateway between BBS systems and the early internet

ExecNet was not just a message board; it was an essential utility for sysadmins and tech consultants in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Commercial Services and Recognition:

ExecNet was not just a BBS, it also evolved into a commercial information system and internet service provider (ISP). It offered:

  • Shell-based internet access (including telnet, FTP, gopher)
  • Full SLIP/PPP connections for web, mail, and newsgroups
  • Seamless integration of traditional BBS features with emerging internet services

The system provided a hybrid experience that appealed to both traditional BBS users and early internet adopters—delivering advanced capabilities under a single, affordable membership.

ExecNet’s file collection earned the prestigious Dvorak Telecommunications Award for Excellence, and its influence extended far beyond its local region. It was featured in national publications such as:

  • PC World
  • Byte Magazine
  • Business Week
  • PC Week
  • Boardwatch Magazine (April 1996 issue)

It also received national attention on major TV networks including CBS, NBC, ABC, and CNN, further cementing its reputation as a leading-edge digital platform.

Technological Advancements & Growth:
ExecNet’s success was fueled by its commitment to networking advancements. The platform catered to IT specialists, LAN administrators, and software developers, providing them with:
Professional Networking Tools – A space where IT professionals could discuss network administration, troubleshoot technical issues, and share insights.
File Distribution & Software Repository – Hosted BBS software add-ons, utility tools, and networking applications.
Technical Forums & Message Boards – Allowed users to ask questions, provide solutions, and collaborate on projects.
Custom PCBoard Enhancements – Included add-ons to improve the BBS experience, such as automation tools, security patches, and messaging upgrades.
ExecNet became one of the premier BBS communities, drawing users from around the world. It was particularly known for its LAN administration resources, making it a go-to platform for networking professionals working with Novell NetWare, Windows NT, and UNIX-based systems.
ExecNet’s Transition to Internet-Based Services:
As the internet began replacing traditional dial-up BBS systems, ExecNet adapted to the changing landscape. While many BBS systems shut down, ExecNet transitioned to offering web-based services, integrating many of its core functions into the early online service industry.
Some of the major shifts included:
  • Moving from PCBoard BBS software to web-based forums.
  • Providing FTP-based software distribution.
  • Expanding into business-oriented networking solutions.
  • Developing custom web applications to support IT professionals.
However, as internet forums and commercial networking platforms like LinkedIn began to dominate, the demand for ExecNet’s traditional services declined.
Acquisition by Image’FX Productions:
By the late 1990s, Cyllon Systems, which had provided some of ExecNet’s operational support, ceased operations. As a result, ExecNet faced potential shutdown. However, rather than allowing the platform to fade away, Thomas Juliano, through his company Image’FX Productions Inc., acquired ExecNet.
The acquisition allowed ExecNet to be preserved, integrating it into Image’FX’s portfolio of technology services. Under Image’FX, ExecNet continued to offer IT-related discussions, software solutions, and professional networking services, though in a more limited capacity as online forums and corporate social networks became dominant.
Legacy of ExecNet
ExecNet was one of the pioneering platforms for network administrators and IT professionals, offering valuable resources in a pre-internet world. While traditional BBS communities have mostly disappeared, ExecNet’s influence can still be seen in modern networking forums, IT resource websites, and technical communities.
Key Contributions:
  • A pre-internet professional network for sysadmins and developers
  • An award-winning software library and file distribution hub
  • Helped promote and distribute third-party PCBoard and network administration software.
  • A working model of early internet/BBS integration
  • A platform that helped shape modern forums, file-sharing services, and collaborative tools
  • Early IT Networking Community – A precursor to modern online IT forums.
  • Knowledge Base for Network Professionals – Provided a vital resource for LAN administrators, IT support specialists, and developers.
  • Pioneered Online Tech Discussions – A model for modern tech support forums and professional networking sites.
Though ExecNet no longer operates as an active service, its impact is still felt in today’s online tech communities. This site exists to preserve its story — and the stories of those who built, used, and learned from it.
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