1986

The 1394 digital link standard was first conceived by technologists at Apple Computer Corporation.

The trademark "FireWire" was chosen in lieu of the speeds of operation of this new technology.

1987

The first specification for this link was completed in 1987.

1995

The first specification was refined and adopted as the IEEE 1394 standard.

The specifications and guidelines have been created by a consortium of participating companies that have joined together in the 1394 Trade Association, an incorporated entity with by-laws and a governing board of directors who are elected from member companies. The 1394TA is worldwide organization with approximately 170 member companies now, from all over the world and from throughout the computer and consumer electronics industries. The 1394 TA creates and revises specifications, provides venues for compliance and interoperation testing, works closely with other trade groups around the world, and markets the ongoing technical development and value propositions of 1394 technology to users, designers, engineers and other technical organizations.