Google puts Vint Cerf on the payroll

Google announced on Thursday it has hired internet pioneer Vint Cerf, as the search giant seeks to build a network foundation for its future internet applications.

Cerf, who co-designed TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol), will help Google develop architectures, systems and standards for next-generation applications, the company said.

Eric Schmidt, Google's chief executive, said in a statement: "Vint Cerf is clearly one of the great technology leaders of our time. His vision for technology helped create entire industries that have transformed many parts of our lives."

In 1973, Cerf co-designed TCP/IP for the US military while working as a Stanford University assistant professor and Darpa scientist. He worked at MCI for most of his career, with an eight-year break to work at the Corporation for National Research Initiatives.

Cerf is also working on a new set of communication protocols in deep space for Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The project is designed to create an internet communications connection between planets.

Google said Cerf will continue with his work in the internet community.

Dawn Kawamoto writes for CNET News.com