Network Solutions started as a technology consulting company founded by Emmit J. McHenry in 1979, with approximately 30 employees, and focused its efforts on applications development. Network Solutions was acquired by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in 1995, and listed on NASDAQ in 1997. John Dillon reports in MediaFilter.org, "Initially, the service was subsidized by the government. But, in May 1993, the National Science Foundation privatized the name registry (InterNIC - Internet Network Information Center) and paid NSI $5.9 million to administer it. In September 1995, NSI instituted the fee system. A few months earlier, it had been bought out by Science Applications International Corp (SAIC)." In 2000, Network Solutions was acquired by VeriSign, Inc. for $21 billion. In 2003, VeriSign sold the registrar business, which continued to operate under the branding Network Solutions, to Pivotal Equity Group. (VeriSign still retains the registry business which had been originally created within Network Solutions prior to VeriSign's acquisition of the company.) In 2008, Roy Dunbar was appointed CEO. On November 2, 2009, Tim Kelly, President of Network Solutions replaced Roy Dunbar as CEO. Roy continues to act as Chairman and advisor to Network Solutions.