A network built in the early ‘80s under the leadership of a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor has been recognized by the Internet Society for its contributions as a precursor to the modern Internet.

The society named the Computer Science Network (CSNET) for the 2009 Jonathan B. Postel Service Award, which honors technical contributions, community service and leadership.

"CSNET's community-driven, self-sustaining governance structure was an early example of the model that helps ensure that even as today's Internet grows and evolves, it remains an open platform for innovation around the world," said CEO Lynn St. Amour, in the society's award announcement.

Lawrence Landweber, UW-Madison computer science professor emeritus, said he had wanted to connect computer scientists, both at universities and private companies, through a network since 1979. So he and a few others made a proposal for the National Science Foundation that garnered little response.

"People didn't necessarily believe in 1980 that the Internet, or any network, was the way to go," Landweber said. "We were turned away once, twice, three times before we received funding."

By 1985, the network grew to include nearly 200 universities and companies and tens of thousands of users.

CSNET collaborators Peter Denning of Purdue University, David Farber of the University of Delaware and Anthony Hearn of RAND Corporation share in the honor with Landweber.

Read the On Campus blog: www.madison.com/wsj/blogs/oncampus/