The service traces its history to an online service known as PlayNET. PlayNET licensed its software to Quantum Link (Q-Link), which went online in November 1985. A new IBM PC client was launched in 1988, and eventually renamed as America Online in 1989. AOL grew to become the largest online service, displacing established players like CompuServe and The Source. By 1995, AOL had about three million active users.
the service traces its history to an online service known as playnet playnet licensed its software to quantum link (q-link) which went online in november 1985 a new ibm pc client was launched in 1988 and eventually renamed as america online in 1989 aol grew to become the largest online service displacing established players like compuserve and the source by 1995 aol had about three million active users