Prodigy was an early online service that later became an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the 1990s. Originally launched in 1984 as a joint venture between IBM, Sears, and CBS, it was one of the first consumer online services, offering a graphical user interface that set it apart from competitors like CompuServe.
By the early 1990s, Prodigy had millions of subscribers, making it one of the largest online services of its time. It provided email, news, shopping, and discussion forums, but operated as a walled garden, meaning users could only access content within Prodigy's network. As the open Internet became more popular, Prodigy transitioned into a traditional ISP, but struggled to compete with emerging broadband providers.
In 2001, Prodigy was acquired by SBC Communications, which later became AT&T. While the brand faded, its legacy remains as one of the pioneers of online connectivity.
