Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Listserv
     
         An automatic {mailing list} server, initially
        written to run under {IBM}'s {VM} {operating system} by Eric
        Thomas.
     
        Listserv is a {user name} on some computers on {BITNET}/{EARN}
        which processes {electronic mail} requests for addition to or
        deletion from mailing lists.  Examples are [email protected],
        [email protected].
     
        Some listservs provide other facilities such as retrieving
        files from {archives} and {database} search.  Full details of
        available services can usually be obtained by sending a
        message with the word HELP in the subject and body to the
        listserv address.
     
        Eric Thomas, has recently formed an international corporation,
        L-Soft, and has ported Listserv to a number of other
        {platforms} including {Unix}.  Listserv has simultaneously
        been enhanced to use both the {Internet} and {BITNET}.
     
        Two other major {mailing list} processors, both of which run
        under {Unix}, are {Majordomo}, a {freeware} system, and
        {Listproc}, currently owned and developed by {BITNET}.
     
        (1995-02-22)