Military

The military was an early producer of information, and information it wanted to keep private. Maps were an early way to gain advantage over enemies, even enemies who thought they knew the terrain. Communications were also critical; the best equipment and the finest troops were useless if commanders couldn't send them orders. Today the military remains one of the prime sponsors of information technology, whether it's spy satellites, machine tool controllers, supercomputers for the NSA's cryptographers, or electronic mail for Oliver North's Iran-Contra planning. They've always managed to back their interests with the necessary cash.