patth@dasys1.UUCP (Patt Haring) (03/11/88)
Welcome to NETWEAVER
The interactive, intersystem
newsletter of the
Electronic Networking Association
"Our purpose is to promote electronic networking in ways that
enrich individuals, enhance organizations, and build global
communities."
____________________________________________________________ ___
Volume 4, Number 2 February 1988
Copyright(c) by Electronic Networking Association (ENA), 1988
NETWEAVER is published electronically on Networking and
World Information (NWI), 333 East River Drive, East Hartford,
CT, 06108 (1-800-624-5916) using Participate (R) software from
Network Technologies International, Inc. (NETI), Ann Arbor, MI.
Managing Editor: Lisa Carlson
Contributing Editors: Mike Blaszczak
Al Martin
Stan Pokras
George Por
Peg Rossing
Tom Sherman
Philip Siddons
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :
NETWEAVER is available via NewsNet, the world's leading
vendor of full-text business and professional newsletters
online. Read, Search or Scan all issues of NETWEAVER as TE55
in NewsNet's Telecommunications industry category. For access
details call 800-345-1301. In PA or outside the U.S., call
215-527-8030.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::
We *welcome* anyone interested in joining the Netweaver staff!
The deadline for articles for the next issue is
the 15th of the month.
KUDOS to the "porters," unsung heroes of the Network Nation!
One of them has brought this issue to you.
------------------------------------------------------------ ---
Volume 4, Number 2 ---CONTENTS--- February 1988
1 Masthead and Index
2 ENA UPDATE ................................ by Lisa Carlson
(2295 char)
Welcome to Volume 4, Number 2 of Netweaver.
News on packet radio access to networks and
the latest developments in "electronic
democracy."
3 EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL POSSIBILITIES .......by Lynne Schrum
(9701 char)
How will technology affect education? A report from
The 7th Annu!tTelecon Conference, held in Los Angeles
last November on distance learning and teleconferencing.
4 HOW TO PICK UP SOMEONE NEW WITH THE SAME OLD LINE.......
By Sue Gunn and Linda Bryant Nicholson
(8165 char)
Find out about X*PRESS X*Change, a new computer
information service on cable offering a free,
easily-accessible alternative information service.
5 CONNECTED EDUCATION, INC................by Gail S. Thomas
(10,701 char)
A graduate talks about her experience completing
a Master's degree via modem through an online
program sponsored by Connected Education, Inc.
6 SALES AND POWER ........................by Philip Siddons
(3032 char)
Some tips from an expert on a new way to look
at the sales process which may help develop a
larger market for this medium.
7 X.400: WHAT IS IT? Part I ................by Ruben Boiardi
(4318 char)
An explanation for non-techies of the Consultative
Committee for International Telephone and Telegraph
(CCITT) recommendations for electronic mail standards.
8 BEYOND ELECTRONIC MAIL - REGISTRATION FORM ...(2801 char)
A downloadable form you can use to register for
ENA's May Conference in Philadelphia!
ENA NETWEAVER Volume 4, Number 2, Article 2 (February 1988)
ENA UPDATE
by Lisa Carlson
As we go to press this month, Dave Hughes has finally received his
packet radio license. This means that networkers may soon be able to
access his Old Colorado City network without going through the phone
lines! Wow! The implications of that are staggering! In spite of
opposition from the phone companies and from many ham radio operators,
it looks like low cost access to networks via packet is around the
corner.
ENA's promotion of "electronic democracy" is paying off. Two (still
in the race) Presidential candidates are using computer conferencing
to link their campaigns. NWI is providing access to online
information from candidates FREE. The Capitol Connection network
sponsored by the Utilities and Commerce Committee of the California
State Assembly has over 1,000 members. Several Members of Congress
are in the process of setting up networks for their constituents. The
Office of Technology Assessment's draft report on "Communication
Systems for the Information Age" includes references to online
communities and their potential role in society.
You can learn more about all these efforts by attending ENA's
conference in Philadelphia May 12-15th! In this issue of Netweaver
you'll find a downloadable registration form. Take advantage of the
"early bird" rates by registering now! For more information about
ENA's conference contact:
Nan Hanahue,
ENA Conference Planning Team
Executive Technology Associates, Inc.
2744 Washington St.
Allentown, PA 18104-4225
(215) 821-7777
This month you can also read a report about expanding educational
possibilities through distance learning and teleconferencing. A
related article describes an online graduate degree program. It's now
possible to access information services with your PC via cable - read
about the X*PRESS X*Change service. If you've been wondering what in
the world this X.400 stuff is people have been talking about, we're
bringing you an explanation for non-techies. And finally, some tips
on sales strategy for those of you who get involved in selling this
technology and other networking products.
Enjoy!
ENA NETWEAVER Volume 4, Number 2, Article 3 (February 1988)
Expanding Educational Possibilities
===================================
by Lynne Schrum
How will technology affect education? The 7th Annual
Telecon Conference, held in Los Angeles last November,
featured two topics which have the potential to make a
significant impact on education: distance learning and
teleconferencing. The conference was jointly sponsored by
The International Teleconferencing Association, the National
University Teleconference Network and the Public Service
Satellite Consortium, in conjunction with the California State
University System. It was attended by hundreds of participants
many of whom seemed to be involved in business; however, many
people commented that there were more educators this year than
ever before.
Distance Learning
=================
First, distance learning provoked great interest and
enthusiasm. Basically the term covers any classes or lectures
conducted from one central place and sent via satellite to
other locations. This is not a new idea, but it has certainly
become much more popular in recent years. Currently, many
college classes are transmitted using telecommunications, and
it is even possible to obtain a degree this way, but for
students in K-12 that would not be a very effective way to
teach. The goal of multisensory, interactive education is most
probably limited to the classes that include video, audio and
some form of data transmission.
One of the most effective uses of this technology is
enabling schools to offer to a few students classes that they
would not otherwise be able to take. In many small schools,
there is no money, availability or need for a teacher in a
highly specialized field. In the past, if perhaps three
seniors in a remote area of Idaho wanted to take a class in
advanced physics or German literature, a single school would
have to deny the request. Now, with distance learning more
easily available, schools can meet such student needs. There
are several universities offering a variety of classes to high
schools, to small colleges and to teachers wishing to take
advanced training. It is possible to find excellent classes
which use the very best features of this technology. These
classes can be highly interactive, personalized and model the
best educational practices.
One of the most exciting examples of this technology was
presented by Dr. Roy Lundin, Coordinator of Continuing
Education for the Brisbane College of Advanced Education in
Australia. Dr. Lundin talked about the remote areas of
Australia where it is not unusual to find one or two
students of high school age in several isolated locations at
any given time. The Australian Government has made the
education of these students a high priority. To this end, they
have erected satellite dishes on the property of these
students. Next, courses have been developed to teach
everything from the 'basics' to such specialized classes as
flute making and playing, advanced physics, and typing. These
classes are truly interactive, goal-oriented and begin with a
high degree of planning and organization.
Concerns About Distance Learning
================================
As in every new adventure, it is possible to find distant
learning classes that do not model all that we would like to
see. Without the planning, the interaction and competent,
trained teachers, this could become a negative approach to
learning. We have seen the same problems with computer assisted
instruction. There have been cases where learning theories are
totally ignored, little check is made on what learning
is actually taking place, and the end result is, not highly
motivated and involved students, but a class full of people
doing rote memorization.
There is one other area of concern regarding possible
misuse of distance learning. There are some discussions about
whether or not a teacher needs to be in the room during the
distance learning class. As with Instructional
Television,(ITV), it is possible that someone could
just let the program run without any preparation, follow-up or
pointed discussions. This clearly would not be the most
beneficial to the students. It is even possible to imagine
some administrators who envision an aide in every classroom
with a monitor whirring away!
Distance learning is now possible in all areas of the
world. It is not an inexpensive proposition; however, it does
have the potential of expanding the horizons for everyone. It
is essential that we remember to demand the best in teachers
and curriculum in these courses and that we expect the
technology will be used to enhance the educational process.
Teleconferencing
================
The second major focus of Telecon was
teleconferencing. Industries have used this very successfully
for some time. As an alternative to telephone tag, using this
multimodal and interactive technology, all the necessary
planning to set up a meeting or organize a joint project might
be finished in a one-hour live session of people all over the
country. This is more involved than the computer conferencing
we think of first. Right now, the hardware and technology are
available and are being used; however, the price is a major
consideration for schools.
The hardware that supports this technology is quite
remarkable. There are audio, video and hard-copy capabilities
that allow as a result the feeling that all participants are
in the same room. One person can write notes and correct them
as the meeting goes along while everyone gets to observe. At
the end of the meeting, every person takes home the same page
of comments. The ability to make these meetings highly
interactive is also a plus. If the need is clear and the
technology and expense are necessary, this form of interaction
can prove to be a highly satisfactory way of solving
problems, training staff, or culminating an event.
The people that have actually participated in this type
of project tended to stress the preparation necessary for
success. In education it is easy to think of the ways a highly
organized and interactive video, auditory and hard-copy
capability could be used. Imagine the members of a school
reform committee finalizing a report or a cross country
exchange of electronic mail culminating in the students
actually meeting each other.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
================
Telecon presenters offered several tips for successful
teleconferencing, beginning with planning to insure that
everyone involved has the same agenda for results. Also,
materials that arrive well in advance of the teleconference
seem to be essential. These materials should spell out all
details and include the background information that all
participants need to have. There also should be a
pre-conference of the people in each of the remote sites to
plan and discuss what will be taking place. After the
conference -- and apparently equal in importance to the
pre-conference activities -- there needs to be some follow-up.
The participants could discuss what each felt happened and,
most importantly, what actions each participant and site will
tackle next.
The most interesting example of the uses of this
technology in education that I heard was discussed by Dr. Mark
Tisone of Old Dominion University. The university has been
involved in local, state and national teleconferences before;
they now have branched into the international market. The
series they are working on is titled "The Ultimate Challenge"
and will provide interaction between high school students in
the USA and the USSR. This will be a group of three videos
(February 12, 26, and March 11, 1988). The first two
experiences, which will not be interactive, will explore the
areas of food, fashion, entertainment, education and family
life as experienced by the Soviet teenager. Dr. Tisone
explained that many teachers had commented upon the lack of
materials available about the Soviet youth of today.
The culminating event, on March 11, will be a live,
interactive teleconference with 50 American teenagers talking
with 50 Soviet teenagers. This will be accomplished via the
space bridge (a satellite transmission system) and will have
taken over a year to plan and organize. High schools will
get curriculum materials before all the shows, and Old Dominion
University is offering a special price to encourage
participation. This use of the technology to expand
understanding and encourage dialog could have one of the most
exciting and far reaching outcomes ever imagined.
SUMMARY
=======
It appears that two things are necessary to remember when
using distance learning and teleconferencing in educational
settings. First, we need to guard against those that would
use either one of the methods only for its high visibility,
and forget to include substance. Also, there needs to be a
specific purpose that is best accomplished in this way. Most
importantly, it is hoped that education will begin to
seriously explore the positive results that might occur by
carefully using the state of the art for our students and
teachers.
--------
author's note: For further information regarding this
conference or the next one, readers may wish to contact:
Applied Business TeleCommunications, Box 5106, San Ramon, CA
94583.
Lynne Schrum is a Resource Specialist in Ventura, Ca. In
addition, she is a moderator on the McGraw-Hill Information
Exchange and has taught telecommunications for the Elementary
Summer Technology Training Institute.
ENA NETWEAVER Volume 4, Number 2, Article 4 (February 1988)
HOW TO PICK UP SOMEONE NEW WITH THE SAME OLD LINE
By Sue Gunn and Linda Bryant Nicholson
OFFERING ALTERNATIVES
*********************
In the last issue of Netweaver, concerns were brought forth
as to the possibility that once electronic communications becomes
the predominant means of information delivery, important information
will become less and less available to people without the technical
and financial resources to access them, thereby "exacerbating the
gap between the ordinary citizen and business and between the haves
and the have-nots in society."
X*PRESS X*Change, the premier computer information service
on cable, is already offering a free, easily-accessible alternative
to the other, more costly information services available today.
Information is delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, not to television sets, but to home personal computers.
It's like having a new channel on your home computer - a
whole new way of delivering information to computers inexpensively
and instantaneously.
Stories right off the wires are available for you to read
selectively through a special software program which sorts
information by category. And, as quickly as you read and discard
stories, your computer captures new ones. It's a continuous stream
of knowledge.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
****************
X*PRESS X*Change provides access to Standard and Poor's
Ticker III stock market quotes, business and financial news, and
national and international news. Some of the wire services carried
on X*PRESS X*Change include: Associated Press; Canadian Press;
Gannett/USA Today; Cable News Network; TASS, the official news
agency of the Soviet Union; The Opec News Agency/OPECNA; Kyodo,
Japan; the Central News Agency of the Republic of China, Taiwan;
Deutsche Presse-Agentur of West Germany; Agence France Presse; and
Xinhua of the People's Republic of China.
In addition to securities and news, X*PRESS X*Change
provides continuously updated sports scores and features, national
and international weather reports, computer news from Best of Bix
and Microbytes, and an opportunity to discuss the issues of the day
through ongoing computer discussions in the Information X*Change
category.
WHAT IS X*PRESS X*CHANGE?
************************
X*PRESS X*Change is a service of X*PRESS Information
Services, Ltd., a partnership of McGraw Hill, Inc. and
Tele-Communications, Inc., the largest multiple system cable
operator in the country, and is now available nationwide to more
than 3.8 million homes in 347 communities.
And, the X*Change-In-The-Schools Program provides every
school with two free X*Change kits for use in their PC lab or
library. For the first time, schools can access a vast information
resource absolutely free. In the past, information services have
only been available through costly telephone hookups.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
*****************
All that is needed to access the service is basic cable, a
compatible computer and an installation kit. The only charge is for
the initial installation kit, which includes a decoder, cable and
software package. The current suggested retail price is $125.00.
Then it costs you nothing extra per month, because it is part of
your basic cable package.
X*Change operates on IBM PC, XT, AT and 100 percent
compatibles, Apple IIc and IIe, and Macintosh computers. An Atari
version is currently in the testing stages. All personal computers
must have a serial port in order to operate with X*Change.
All of the X*PRESS Executive and X*Change software is
developed by outside interests. Over 100 software developers have
requested documentation of the X*PRESS information feed for the
purpose of developing software.
Millions of words in a vast range of categories are received
from approximately 30 information providers daily at X*PRESS
Information Services, Ltd. The data is uplinked along with the
digital audio signal of CNN (Galaxy I, transponder 7) using General
Instruments Videocipher/Infocipher 1500P technologies. It is also
transmitted on the Cinemax transponder of Galaxy I. With the
addition of a low-cost GI interface and Wegener modulator card, a
cable system is set to send the X*PRESS signal downline.
FILE TRANSFER - IT'S NEW!
*************************
A new feature of the X*Change software is called File
Transfer. This feature allows X*PRESS to send complete databases of
information to customers at special scheduled times. Complete
software, freeware or shareware which could interface with the
X*PRESS feed could also be downloaded through File Transfer, as well
as new versions of the X*Change software.
Examples of information that might be sent are stock
charting data, job listings, lottery statistics or even specialized
sports data, such as racing information.
INFORMATION X*CHANGE CONFERENCING
*********************************
Mary Gardiner Jones and Nancy Chasen also noted in the last
issue of Netweaver, "The time has come for non-profit organizations
to explore the new telecommunications technologies to expedite their
work and enhance their communications and non-profit capabilities."
Well, once again, X*PRESS X*Change is helping to lead the
way. Efforts are currently underway to encourage non-profit
organizations to participate in the Information X*Change
conferencing categories by helping to generate topics, provide
moderators and offer advice and information.
In return, we are offering these organizations an
opportunity to distribute information at little or no
telecommunications costs through Information X*Change. In this way,
organizations can increase public awareness and set the agenda on
issues of importance.
The organization's members would be able to access the
X*PRESS X*Change two-way conferencing platform from anywhere in the
nation, and share information on topics of importance to the
organization and, therefore, to the rest of society. Excerpts from
these discussions will be ported from the two-way platform and
broadcast in the X*PRESS X*Change feed, allowing subscribers to read
the ported information free of charge, without paying access fees or
telecommunications charges.
Information X*Change categories include Religion, Sex and
Politics, World Around Us, Inside Your Head, Teen Talk and Computers
and You.
X*PRESS is eager to discuss possible conferencing topics
with any non-profit organization.
In the Inside Your Head category of Information X*Change,
a popular psychotherapist from Parker, Colorado, will soon
begin moderating a conference on family stress. Questions,
problems and situations presented by subscribers will be addressed by
the psychotherapist via the two-way conferencing platform. Again, activity
within the conference is ported onto the feed to allow subscribers
to read the responses free of charge. Subscribers can participate
via the two-way platform, the X*PRESS X*Change electronic mailbox, a
toll-free telephone line or in writing.
Our goal is to offer similar conferences moderated by
professionals who can offer subscribers advice and information which
is not readily available to people who do not have the financial
resources to pay for it.
CABLE AND COMPUTERS - A NATURAL MARRIAGE
****************************************
Cable, because it is so cost effective, because it is
already in place as a national distribution network, is the
inevitable partner to computer information services.
Cable is at a strategic crossroads. It has the opportunity
to grow and develop a national information network on cable, or lose
that opportunity. X*PRESS is dedicated to enhancing the investment
already made by cable in wiring the nation, establishing an
information network, and becoming a significant player in the home
information age.
-------
author's note:
For more information, contact Linda Bryant Nicholson at 303-721-5130
or at 5970 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Suite 156, Englewood, CO. 80111.
ENA NETWEAVER Volume 4, Number 2, Article 5 (February 1988)
CONNECTED EDUCATION, INC.
By Gail S. Thomas
There's a university inside my microcomputer. In February
1986 I started attending graduate school through my personal
computer and modem. My reasons were straightforward enough, to
complete California Community College Instructor life
credentials in the subject areas of communications, computer
technology, and computer science. Earning the credentials
involved completing a degree program at the Master's or higher
level. Unable to find an appropriate degree program locally,
I turned to my computer. Through my modem, I dialed up
Connected Education, Inc., and started exploring the new
country of the "virtual campus." In May 1988 I will receive my
degree during the regular, in-person commencement ceremonies of
the New School for Social Research, New York City.
Connected Education, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation,
offers graduate level seminars for university credit through
computer conferencing. Since fall 1985, the Media Studies
Program of the New School for Social Research has granted
credit for successfully completing Connected Education's
seminars on the same basis as credit is granted for in-person
attendance at the school's physical campus in Greenwich
Village, New York City. The electronically linked students,
faculty and staff of Connected Education refer to their unique
campus as "Connect Ed."
Matriculated students can earn the degree of Master of
Arts in Media Studies partly or totally through on-line study,
attending classes via modem and personal computer from
virtually anywhere in the world with international telephone
connections. When Connect Ed first went on-line in the fall of
1985, most students hailed from the greater New York City area,
with the notable exception of inaugural students studying from
Singapore and Japan. Connect Ed's national and international
student body has continued to grow (with over 250 registrations
since the fall of 1985), and I was the first person
matriculated in the Master of Arts in Media Studies program
telecommuting from outside the Northeast. Since that time, my
seminars have included faculty and students telecommuting from
as far away as England and Colombia, and as near as San Diego
and Texas. Connect Ed plans to launch an online Ph.D. in
Philosophy of Technology with Polytechnic University of New
York during the 1988-1989 academic year.
Also being planned with the New School is a Connect Ed
M.A. in Technology and Society, and a Certificate in Electronic
Publishing. Connect Ed hopes to begin accepting students for
both programs by the Fall of 1988. Groups of New York
State employees regularly study continuing education subjects
on-line through Connect Ed and the state's Public Service
Training Program.
Instead of a conventional, brick-and-mortar campus, the
physical central system of Connect Ed resides in a host
computer at the New Jersey Institute of Technology [NJIT],
Newark. The common functions of a university operate
through a computer conferencing system, the Electronic
Information Exchange System, abbreviated to EIES and pronounced
"eyes." Telecommunications links and packet switching
technology let students, faculty and administrative staff
cross time zones and geographical barriers to jointly
participate in a "virtual campus."
The "virtual campus" builds on research performed by Dr.
Murray Turoff, an NJIT computer science professor and director
of the university's Computerized Conferencing and
Communications Center. In 1971 he developed the first computer
conferencing system, used by the White House Office of
Emergency Preparedness. Dr. Paul Levinson, President of
Connected Education, Inc., designed the pedagogical, social,
and many of the technical aspects of the Connect Ed campus on
EIES. Along with Tina Vozick, Connect Ed Vice President,
and their growing staff, Connect Ed continues to refine,
design, and expand the electronic campus on EIES.
New courses start every two months, except in August and
September. Course enrollments range from five to fifteen
students. Topics range from popular culture and journalism,
through management and telecommunications law, to philosophy
and technology. Courses in progress during the Spring 1988
semester include Desktop Publishing, Electronic Publishing,
Computer Networks and Professional Writing, Technological
Forecasting, and Artificial Intelligence and Real Life. Each
seminar carries three units of graduate credit. Undergraduate
and noncredit registration is also available. Tuition
and registration fees equal those charged to students
physically attending the New School's New York campus. These
fees include all necessary connect time for courses except
local calls to data packet networks.
With every passing two-month cycle of courses, Connect Ed
takes on more of the attributes of an established campus. Two
years ago there were classrooms (conferences), a campus hangout
(the Cafe), and a small collection of on-line papers (the
Connected Education Library). The Cafe provides an informal
atmosphere form student, faculty and staff discussion of topics
ranging from computers to current events. Another Technical
Forum conference centers on the problems, products and
possibilities of microcomputers and associated software.
Next came visiting lecturers. In the past two years, the
Library has taken on the aspects of a main reading room with
associated special libraries. The Connect Ed Library contains
a specialized and growing collection of papers, articles and
essays on such subjects as computer conferencing, ecology,
technology, education and popular culture. Connect Ed has also
instituted a special program of on-line tutoring in English as
a second language--of special value to international students.
Now, just in time for the spring 1988 semester, comes
Bookorder, a special on-line version of the bookstore found on
every traditional college and university campus.
Granted, Bookorder differs somewhat from the traditional
college and university bookstore. Bookorder does not sell
Scantrons, blue books, #2 pencils, yellow highlighting marking
pens, software, hardware, newspapers, magazines, candy, Granola
bars, or stuffed toys wearing miniature T-shirts with the seal
of the college or university. At this time, neither does
Bookorder sell mugs, banners, bumper stickers, sun visors, or
human-sized T-shirts or sweatshirts printed with the school
seal. However, I am investigating the possibilities of Connect
Ed coffee mugs. Stay tuned and keep the coffee brewing.
Bookorder's stock consists of textbooks, publications
authored, co-authored or edited by Connect Ed community
members, and "specials." These "specials" comprise books
obtained from time to time at sharply discounted prices, on
subjects of likely interest to Connect Ed community members.
Additionally, in the audio-visual section, Bookorder carries
the complete line of the Powersharing series, talks on
audiotapes featuring some of the most creative and innovative
individuals of the information age, from Seymour Papert
to Bill Gates.
Computer conferencing enables adults to obtain continuing
education and complete academic degrees without leaving their
homes or offices. Participants can stay current with their
courses while traveling, simply by plugging a modem-equipped
portable "laptop" computer into the telephone jack of their
hotel room or other temporary location. Persons on-line at the
same time can "chat" with each other in "real-time."
Asynchronous computer conferencing provides more serious
educational and training benefits than casual conversational
remarks flashed across a computer monitor.
Connect Ed's courses take place in conferences,
essentially electronic meeting places restricted to the
instructor, registered students, and designated staff members.
Generally the instructor begins the seminar with introductory
remarks, a general indication of the topics scheduled for
coverage, and a discussion of his or her background. Each
registered student signs on at his or her convenience, from
anywhere in the telephone-equipped world, at any time of day or
night.
Usually the students respond to the instructor's initial
remarks by introducing themselves and commenting on the topics
and course contents. Participants may compose their
contributions on-line or else use word processing software to
formulate their thoughts off-line and then upload the
completed contribution to the conference. The EIES system adds
each participant's finished contribution to the conference as
an electronic comment. The comments form an ongoing discussion
archived in electronic form. Participants often print out the
accumulated comments or store them on floppy discs for
reference. Preserved on paper or disc, the comments for each
conference form a file of the total activity within a given
seminar.
Connect Ed even offers some extracurricular activities.
Students, faculty and staff combine efforts to produce a
periodic newsletter, "Synapse," published completely on-line.
Each semester Connect Ed sponsors a low-cost online
subscription lecture series. In each on-line lecture a scholar
or commentator enters comments into a special conference over a
one-week period. Members of the electronic audience read the
comments, then respond or ask questions as they would in an
on-line seminar. Recent lecture topics range from computer
software development to the relationship between earth
environments and outer space exploration.
Connect Ed also consults with business and professional
groups about computer conferencing, and designs electronic
environments, manuals, etc., for their needs. The Connect Ed
Cafe, Technical Forum, Library, and Synapse are all copyrighted
features of the Connect Ed Campus. Connect Ed will also soon
be entering the field of electronic publishing--with
distribution via disk of original, significant scholarly
manuscripts. (And the first volume of ELECTRONIC CHRONICLES:
A COMPENDIUM OF THE CONNECTED EDUCATION INTELLECTUAL
ON-LINE COMMUNITY will be published by JAI Press of Greenwich,
Connecticut later this year.)
------
author's note: For further Connect Ed information, contact Dr.
Paul Levinson, President, at 92 Van Cortland Park South #6F,
Bronx, New York 10463.
Gail S. Thomas, a businesswoman in Long Beach, California,
earned the first Master of Arts in Media Studies degree granted
by the New School totally through on-line study. She serves on
Connect Ed Administrative staff.
ENA NETWEAVER Volume 4, Number 2, Article 6 (February 1988)
Sales and Power
by Philip Siddons
[Editor's note: One of the biggest issues in the field of
electronic networking is how to SELL it to the folks who haven't
yet discovered its power. Here are some tips on sales from an
expert!]
He sat across from me and talked. He said he is looking for
someone who wants to take over his job. A take charge person.
One who wants to live in a better house than most others.
Someone who cares about the amount of money *he* carries
around.
After checking on the neatness of his pocket handkerchief, he
went on.
He talked about how, with his formula for sales, (which he
numbered with his fingers) *he* could sell anything. Pots and
pans, computers, it didn't matter. And with him doing the
training, his next sales*man* could take control of any
conversation. Customers would think they were crazy to consider
another company.
Power. Being in control has traditionally been valued in
sales. But the values have changed.
The last thing consumers want is a person who is out to talk
them into something. What they want, what I want, is service.
A person enters a store or a corporation for one thing to have
needs met. And the most effective sales people, I think, are in
it to serve the client. To help her or him assess their needs,
consider a variety of alternatives, and recommend the better
solutions for consideration.
Consider this axiom: "You can never motivate another
person. You can only create the best environment conducive to
their own working style."
It is my belief, then, that those in sales would be wise to
create an environment which encourages people to do what they
already are capable of doing: to choose what they come to know
is best to meet their particular consumer needs.
To test this theory, think, if you will, about people who
have been most influential in times of your decision making.
The person you were consulting about a car. (Perhaps it was a
relative.) The one with whom you talked when considering a
college or graduate school. The clergy person who was present
when working through a difficult decision. The neighbor who
helped you buy a VCR.
Those who attempted to fit you into their scheme were
probably more distracting than helpful. But those who had the
listening skills to hear your needs, and who had the working
knowledge of a product to creatively encourage you to explore
options of your liking, were the most powerful at the time of
decision.
Sales as service. That's the new climate of sales today.
And whenever we are fortunate enough to deal with a sales person
who sees their task as service, a relationship begins. And in
the end, that is most powerful.
------
Author's note: Philip Siddons is the Director of Advertising and
is a corporate trainer for Desktop Publishing for Quest Computer
Systems in Buffalo New York. He is an author and free-lance writer.
ENA NETWEAVER Volume 4, Number 2, Article 7 (February 1988)
X.400: What is It?, Part I
by Ruben Boiardi (RUBEN)
>*<
This month I had the opportunity to spend some time at Telenet
headquarters in Virginia with Ed Lane and others. Lane is one of
Telenet's education and training specialists and something of a "guru"
on the topic of X.400. We spent the better part of a week discussing
X.400 implementations and various strategies for handling mail messages in
the X.400 environment.
X.400 is the name of a series of recommendations ranging from X.400 to
X.430 set out by the Consultative Committee for International Telephone and
Telegraph (CCITT) governing the development of communications among
messaging systems on a global basis. In other words, the CCITT has
established methods by which different electronic mail systems can
exchange mail with each other.
X.400 didn't suddenly appear. It has a history--one that is closely
tied to the history of electronic mail.
Before electronic mail systems became as popular as they are today,
Telex was the method of choice for electronic business communications.
Telex has several drawbacks. It is slow, requires special equipment,
its character set is limited, and in some cases requires that both TTY's
(Telex terminals) be available. The year 1970 saw the introduction of
the first computer-based message system (CBMS) on a time-shared
computer, launching the revolution. In 1977, the International
Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) set up Working Group 6.5 to
deal with the proliferation of CBMS's. Their work led to the formation
of the CCITT X.400 Rapporteur Group in 1980. By 1984, the X.400 "Red
Book" series was ratified. This year will see the updated information
published in a "Blue Book."
So much for the historical perspective. Now, for the basics of how
X.400 works.
The basic components of an X.400 message handling system are the User
Agents (UAs) and Message Transfer Agents (MTAs). UAs and MTAs are
actually software; they're nothing you can "see."
The User Agent is the mechanism through which the end user sends and
receives messages. In essence, it is what the user sees as the mail
program. The User Agent could be on a PC or on a mainframe. Its job is
to package the message composed by the user and sent it along to the
Message Transfer Agent. The MTA and UA may, in fact, actually reside on
the same machine.
The Message Transfer Agent routes your message to its destination. Your
message may be sent through several other MTAs on the way to its final
destination (sort of like a baton in a relay race).
The typical X.400 message might take the following path:
------------- ============= ============= -------------
+ UA +-->--+ MTA +-->--+ MTA +-->--+ UA +
------------- ============= ============= -------------
A B C D
A user would enter his message at his User Agent (A), which then sends
the packaged information to its Message Transfer Agent (B). The Message
Transfer Agent (B) can't deliver the message immediately, so it passes
the message on to another Message Transfer Agent (C). This Message
Transfer Agent (C) can deliver the message and proceeds to do so into
the destination User Agent (D).
X.400 also defines a set of rules known as protocols by which UAs and
MTAs can communicate with each other. They are simply known as the P1,
P2, and P3 protocols.
Of course, there's far more to X.400 than I've discussed here. If
you're interested in learning more, get a copy of the CCITT "Red Book."
It is available through the United Nation's bookstall in New York City.
Ask for CCITT, Volume VIII - Fascicle VIII.7. The cost is approximately
thirty-five dollars.
Next month, we'll look at the question that is really more interesting
than "How does it work?" We'll take a look at "Why Isn't Everyone
Already Using X.400?"
------
author's note: This article was originally published in IN UNISON FEB88
and is reprinted with permission of the author. Ruben Boiardi is Unison's
Technical Director. Part 2 will discuss the political and technical
implications of establishing a world-wide X400 network.
ENA NETWEAVER Volume 4, Number 2, Article 8 (February 1988)
Electronic Networking Association
BEYOND ELECTRONIC MAIL:
People and Organizations At Work In A Global Economy
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
International House, Philadelphia PA
Thursday, May 12 - Sunday, May 15, 1988
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE CLEARLY
Referred by (ENA Member):________________________________
Name:_______________________________________________________ _____
Title:_____________________________________Phone:(___)______ ______
Organization:_______________________________________________ _____________
Address:____________________________________________________ ________
____________________________________________________________
.___________________________________________________________ _
City:______________State/Province:___________Postal Code_________
Country:____________________________________________________ ________
ONLINE ADDRESS:
System:__________________(User Name/Account)_____________________________
System:__________________(User Name/Account)_____________________________
FEE SCHEDULE: Before 3/7/88 After 3/7/88
(please indicate appropriate choices below:)
Full Conference Program
Regular Registrations o $250 o $300
ENA Professional Member o $225 o $275
Confirmed Speaker o $150 o $200
Single Day o Thursday o Friday o Saturday o Sunday
Confirmed Speaker o (no charge)
Non-Speaker o $100
Exhibit Display Table (in addition to registration fee): o $50
ENA Membership: o Current o New o Regular $20
o Renewal o Professional $50
Please let us know if you are a current ENA member, and mark
the type (regular or professional) of membership you hold. If
you are not a current member, please join or renew now,
and take advantage of the Professional Member's discount.
METHOD OF PAYMENT:
Payable to Electronic Networking Association (IRS #23-2390789)
Payment for full amount: $___________________(in U.S. $)
o Authorized purchase order #_____________________________
o Visa #____________________Exp. Date__________
o Master Card #_____________Exp. Date:_________Interbank #_________
Authorized Signature:_________________________________Title:___________ _
MAIL TO: Nan Hanahue,
ENA Conference Planning Team
Executive Technology Associates, Inc.
2744 Washington St.
Allentown, PA 18104-4225
(215) 821-7777
--
Patt Haring {sun!hoptoad,cmcl2!phri}!dasys1!patth
Big Electric Cat Public Access Unix (212) 879-9031 - System Operator
Three aspects of wisdom: intelligence, justice & kindness.