Posted on 09/02/2009 5:57:55 AM PDT by jmcenanly
Having gained fame in the late '60s by building a Defense Department network that would become the Internet, BBN Technologies today is being acquired by one of the nation's leading defense contractors.
Raytheon announced this morning that is buying the venerable BBN for an undisclosed sum.
From Raytheon's press release:
BBN's diverse portfolio encompasses a range of technologies including advanced networking, speech and language technologies, information technologies, sensor systems, and cybersecurity. The company's deep scientific and engineering talent aligns well with Raytheon's expertise and commitment to excellence.
"BBN brings world class people, technologies and capabilities to Raytheon and our customers," said William H. Swanson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Raytheon Company. "We expect all of our businesses to benefit from the application of BBN's research and development expertise and technologies across our product lines and programs. BBN's rich technology heritage makes this a natural fit."
(Excerpt) Read more at networkworld.com ...
I once worked on a project with BBN and one of the more interesting memories of that period was a pitch given by a BBN old timer who talked to us about being present when the very first e-Mail was sent. I'm assuming that would be near the same time-frame as the initial ARPAnet connection - but it could have been some time later. The good old days.
Raytheon leased the building that was supposed to be BBN headquarters a few years ago from the bankruptcy referee. In the depressed Boston commericial real estate market they got a Taj Mahal building for chump change.
Very cool. BBN actually did “invent the internet”.
So, are they working on a new defense network? LIke say, SkyNet?
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