Inside the ‘internet radical’ who shaped Microsoft Exchange and AT&T’s early web push

Tom Evslin, who oversaw AT&T’s WorldNet initiative, was instrumental in developing the early versions of Microsoft Exchange and Outlook during the 1990s. He described himself as an “internet radical” who urged Microsoft to embed internet capabilities sooner, a stance that conflicted with Bill Gates’ focus on beating Lotus Notes first. Evslin managed Exchange gateways that linked to services like CompuServe and MCI Mail, and he noted a surge in demand for SMTP connectivity as email moved online.

When Microsoft released its products before deep internet integration, AT&T recruited Evslin to craft its own internet strategy, advocating rapid ISP deployment and all-you-can-eat pricing. WorldNet quickly attracted users, prompting internal debates about launch speed. Later, recognizing the potential of voice over IP, Evslin left AT&T in 1997 to launch the wholesale VoIP carrier ITXC.