Daniel C. Lynch, a pioneer in the field of computer networking whose work helped shape the commercialization of the internet, passed away at the age of 82 at his home in St. Helena, Calif. His daughter, Julie Lynch-Sasson, confirmed that he had been battling kidney failure.
In the 1980s, when the internet was still in its infancy and limited to academic and government use, Mr. Lynch saw the potential for its commercial expansion. He played a crucial role in the early development of data networking and was instrumental in organizing workshops to train vendors and developers on configuring equipment for routing internet traffic.
Mr. Lynch’s vision and efforts led to the creation of Interop, an event that became one of the largest computer exhibitions in the world. This event helped establish a global community of networking specialists and contributed to the growth of the internet-related equipment market, which is now estimated at $30 billion.
His contributions to the industry were recognized when he was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame in 2019. Mr. Lynch’s impact on the internet and computer networking industry was profound, and his legacy continues to influence the way we connect and share information online.
After selling Interop for an estimated $25 million in 1991, Mr. Lynch ventured into other projects, including starting a vineyard in Napa Valley and co-founding CyberCash, an early internet-based payment service. Despite facing challenges, his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing technology left a lasting mark on the digital landscape.
Mr. Lynch is survived by his daughter Julie and five other children, as well as seven grandchildren. His legacy as a trailblazer in the world of computer networking will be remembered for years to come.
