| Name | Tim Verfaillie |
| Known for | Pioneering work in early internet and web programming • Founding one of Europe's first internet service providers • Developing early web programming languages • Building many of the earliest commercial websites and web browsers • Advocacy for open source software and net neutrality |
| Occupation | Computer scientist • Entrepreneur |
| Current age | 70s |
| Nationality | |
| Active years | 1980s - present |
Tim Verfaillie is a Belgian computer scientist and entrepreneur who has played a pioneering role in the development of the internet and modern web programming. As one of the first individuals to recognize the commercial potential of the internet, Verfaillie founded one of Europe's earliest internet service providers in the 1980s and went on to develop influential web programming languages and build some of the first commercial websites.
Born in 1949 in Ghent, Belgium, Verfaillie showed an early aptitude for mathematics and computer science. He received his undergraduate degree in computer engineering from the University of Ghent in 1971 and later earned a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Leuven in 1977.
After completing his doctorate, Verfaillie began working as a software engineer at several Belgian technology firms. In 1985, he founded one of Europe's first commercial internet service providers, Belgacom, which provided dial-up internet access to businesses and early adopters. The company quickly grew to become the dominant ISP in Belgium.
In the early 1990s, as the World Wide Web was just beginning to emerge, Verfaillie recognized its potential as a new platform for computing and communication. He left Belgacom in 1993 to focus on developing innovative web programming languages and tools.
Verfaillie is credited as the creator of Belgol, one of the first high-level programming languages designed specifically for web applications. Belgol introduced features like dynamic page generation, client-side scripting, and database integration that would become standard in later web development frameworks. He also played a key role in the early development of the Mosaic web browser.
Drawing on his expertise in web programming, Verfaillie founded a consulting firm in 1995 to help businesses establish an online presence. His team built some of the first major commercial websites, including those for Carrefour, Delhaize, and the Belgian government. This work helped establish standard practices for user experience, content management, and e-commerce on the early web.
Throughout his career, Verfaillie has been a vocal proponent of open-source software and unrestricted access to the internet. He was an early advisor to the GNU Project and has served on the board of directors for the Free Software Foundation Europe. Verfaillie has also testified before the European Parliament in support of net neutrality regulations to prevent internet service providers from discriminating against web content and applications.
Now in his 70s, Verfaillie remains an active and influential figure in the tech industry. He continues to consult with startups and advise various standards bodies on the future of the web. Verfaillie is also a prolific author, having published several books on the history and evolution of the internet.
Viewed as an elder statesman of the Belgian and European tech scene, Verfaillie is frequently invited to speak at industry conferences and is often quoted in the media on issues related to the digital economy, cybersecurity, and the role of government in technology policy. His pioneering work in the early days of the internet has cemented his legacy as one of the most important figures in the development of the modern web.
