Meet the 'internet radical' who helped Microsoft get email and AT&T get online

Tom Evslin, a key figure in the development of Microsoft's email services and AT&T's online strategy, played a crucial role in shaping the internet's early years. As one of Microsoft's "internet radicals," Evslin passionately advocated for deeper integration of the internet into Microsoft's products, despite then-Microsoft CEO Bill Gates' reluctance to launch products before ensuring they were "ready."

Evslin's determination led to the eventual inclusion of internet connectivity in Microsoft's Exchange Server and Outlook, although the company initially faced resistance from corporate clients who deemed internet communication "unsafe."

Evslin's influence extended beyond Microsoft; he was invited to AT&T to help shape their internet strategy. At the time, AT&T had yet to define a clear plan for the internet, and Evslin pushed for the company to become an Internet Service Provider (ISP). He favored an "all-you-can-eat" pricing model, which was an unconventional approach at the time. However, demand for AT&T's internet service grew rapidly, leading to the company's infamous "America On Hold" nickname.

Evslin's interest in voice over IP (VoIP) technology ultimately led him to found ITXC, a wholesale VoIP carrier in 1997.