Oral history interview with Robert E. Kahn

Abstract

Kahn briefly discusses his educational background and involvement with the development of ARPANET before focusing on the operations of the Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Kahn describes the development of computer networks with DARPA support and explains the process of contracting research at DARPA as well as the creation of DARPA budgets in detail. In this context he discusses the work of various DARPA and IPTO personnel including J. C. R. Licklider, Vinton Cerf, Larry Roberts, and George Heilmeier. This interview was recorded as part of a research project on the influence of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on the development of computer science in the United States.