However, it remains unknown whether Caroline agreed to be uploaded into the Genetic lifeform component or if she was forced by technicians, though unused audio files make it clear that the choice wasn't hers. While Cave Johnson ultimately died before his consciousness could be uploaded, he left instructions that his assistant Caroline should be fitted as the Genetic Lifeform component so that she would be able to run Aperture in perpetuity after his death. In 1996, after a decade spent bringing the Disk Operating System parts to a state of more or less basic functionality, work began on the Genetic Lifeform component.

A prototype chassis for GLaDOS was constructed in 1989, but was subsequently abandoned.

In 1986, construction of the first iteration of GLaDOS began in the Enrichment Center with the aim of accelerating the Portal project, and beating their rival company, Black Mesa. Portrait of Aperture CEO Cave Johnson with Caroline at his side. He wanted to 'store a man's intelligence' into a computer in order to beat his rival Black Mesa and oversee his company after his death.

The idea for GLaDOS came to Cave Johnson in 1982 during his final days.