Internet Society recognizes her significant contributions to the early development and administration of the Internet
[Berlin, Germany — 31 July 2013] — The Internet Society today announced that its prestigious Jonathan B. Postel Service Award was presented to Elizabeth “Jake” Feinler for her extensive contributions to the early development and administration of the Internet through her leadership of the Network Information Center (NIC) for the ARPANET and Defense Data Network (DDN).
From 1974 to 1989, Ms. Feinler ran the NIC under contract to the Department of Defense at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). The NIC oversaw the use of Internet addresses, and developed the first Internet “yellow-” and “white-page” servers, as well as the first query-based network host name and address (WHOIS) server. Her group managed the Host Naming Registry, and developed the top-level domain-naming scheme of .com, .edu, .gov, .mil, .org, and .net, which is still in use today.
“Jake is a true Internet pioneer and one of a small group of researchers and scientists who helped shape the early direction of the Internet,” said Lynn St. Amour, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Society. “During her tenure, Jake collaborated often with Jon Postel on many critical programs and this award is a testament to her selfless devotion, exceptional leadership, and technical contributions to the global data communications community.”
The Postel Award was established by the Internet Society to honor individuals or organizations that, like Jon Postel, have made outstanding contributions in service to the data communications community. The international award committee, comprised of former Jonathan B. Postel award winners, places particular emphasis on candidates who have supported and enabled others in addition to their own specific actions. The award is focused on sustained and substantial technical contributions, service to the community, and leadership.
The Internet Society presented the award, including a US$20,000 honorarium and a crystal engraved globe, during the 87th meeting of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) held in Berlin, Germany, July 28 – August 2, 2013.