NEARnet provides your organization with reliable access to the global academic and research community through advanced data communications technology. Organizations in New England use NEARnet to tap into the wealth of information and computing resources that are available today on the Internet: databases, library catalogs, supercomputers and hundreds of special interest mailing lists. Managers provide their employees with computing resources and information to keep them in touch with the ever-changing worlds of research and technology. Organizations attract and retain first rate faculty and research and development staff. Basic Capabilities NEARnet provides a powerful, far-reaching tool that can expand individual productivity, bringing information and other resources within easy reach. NEARnet users can: % send and receive electronic messages % store, retrieve, and redistribute messages easily and quickly % log on to remote computers to use specialized databases, programs, hardware or other resources % transfer large blocks of information quickly from one computer to another % participate in electronic "discussion groups" about technical and other topics % arrange meetings, conferences, and other events without playing "telephone tag" Information Resources NEARnet brings a host of computer and information resources to the user's desktop. There are specialized resources for computer professionals, biologists, librarians and educators. The following is a short list of resources that are currently accessible through NEARnet: % NCSA - The National Center for Supercomputing Applications - A center of supercomputing facilities and expertise in support of supercomputing applications research. % RLIN - Research Libraries Information Network - Includes an online bibliographic database cataloging the holdings of over one hundred research libraries, archives and special collections. % LiMB - Listing of Molecular Biology Databases - A computer-based collection of information on molecular biology and related databases, for locating and accessing these databases. % Netlib - Netlib Mathematical Distribution System - A system for the distribution of mathematical software. % M2C - The Massachusetts Microelectronics Center - A semiconductor design and fabrication facility designed to provide practical experience for engineering students. Network Constituents The Internet is the single most effective way to work with the research and education community. More than 800 organizations and 1,000,000 individuals are linked to the Internet, using the powerful TCP/IP suite of networking protocols for open systems communications. Lists of NEARnet's members and organizations connected to the Internet are included in this package. NEARnet Services Robust Design A primary goal of NEARnet is to provide reliable networking service to its members. NEARnet has been designed using standard, widely available software and hardware with proven performance and reliability. Network management, performance analysis, and design services are provided by Bolt Beranek and Newman, Inc., a Cambridge-based leader in network technology with more than 20 years' experience in networking for education, government and business. 24-hour Operations BBN assumes complete responsibility for NEARnet operations and maintenance. The network operations center is staffed during regular business hours and operations staff are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NEARnet maintains a hotline which can be used to contact the staff at any time. Consulting Services BBN also offers network consulting services to NEARnet members, providing expertise in equipment options, available software, the domain name system, subnetting, security and a host of other networking topics. User Information NEARnet also provides user services support to members. Included in membership are semi-annual Technical and User Seminars which cover topics of interest to NEARnet members. Previous seminars have explored network security, electronic mail system operations, information about Internet resources and demonstrations of user interface systems. NEARnet also provides information to its members about Internet resources and reference material. Flexibility NEARnet operates at speeds from 9.6 Kb/sec to 10 Mb/sec, with a variety of connection options that includes dial-up, leased circuits and microwave transmission. We have points of presence in five New England states allowing NEARnet members to save expense by leasing less expensive intra-LATA lines. Who Should Join NEARnet? NEARnet is for: % research staff in universities, industrial laboratories, and government agencies % students in colleges, universities, and technical institutes % development staff in industry % librarians and information managers % college and university faculty and administrators % anyone whose work requires interacting with members of these groups % organizations that need to attract and retain first rate research staff For more information Call the NEARnet hotline at: Or write to: (617) 873-8730 NEARnet c/o BBN Systems and Technologies Or send electronic mail to: 10 Moulton Street nearnet-staff@nic.near.net Cambridge, MA 02138 Attn: John Rugo, Project Manager NEARnet FEE SCHEDULE July 1, 1991 I. Annual Recurring Fees I.1 Annual Membership Dues Member Class Type Annual Revenue/Budget Dues Amount University/ Small <$50M $ 1,000 Non-Profit Medium $50-200M $ 2,500 Large $200-500M $ 5,000 Very Large >$500M $ 7,500 Industry/ Entrepreneurial <$10M $ 1,000 Government Small $10-50M $ 5,000 Medium $50-200M $10,000 Large $200M-1B $15,000 Very Large >$1B $20,000 I.2 Annual Service Fees (These do not include leased line costs.) Connection Type Plan Connection Data Rate Service Fee I.2.1 Dial-up Connections Dedicated port 1 9.6Kb/s $ 4,410 Dedicated port 2 9.6Kb/s $ 3,150 Shared port 1 9.6Kb/s $ 3,150 Shared port 2 9.6Kb/s $ 1,890 I.2.2 Leased Line Connections 9.6Kb/s $ 6,300 56Kb/s $ 9,450 256Kb/s $12,600 512Kb/s $15,750 T1 (1.54Mb/s) $25,200 10 Mb/s microwave $37,800 I.3 Annual Leased Line Costs NEARnet will provide purchasing services for leased telephone lines for member organizations. The options available and their costs will vary per member location. II. One Time Installation Fees II.1 Self Service Installation Members choosing a Self Service Installation will be responsible for the installation of NEARnet equipment at member site. Connection Type Plan Medium Estimated Fee II.1.1 Dial Up Connections Dedicated port 1 9.6Kb/s $ 0 Dedicated port 2 9.6Kb/s $ 2,000 Shared port 1 9.6Kb/s $ 0 Shared port 2 9.6Kb/s $ 1,000 II.1.2 Leased Line Connections Leased line up to 56Kb $ 7,450 Leased line up to T1 $13,500 T1 Branch Node $20,500 10Mb/s Microwave $50,000 II.2 Full Service Installations NEARnet will provide a pre-installation site survey, installation of equipment by NEARnet technicians and two days of network consulting by NEARnet Analysts for a fee of $2,500. Please call NEARnet at (617) 873-8730 for an exact quotation for your site. NEARnet is operated on the basis of full-cost recovery. Charges are designed to recover the full costs of providing service to the NEARnet members. Membership dues cover the costs of management, administration, and user services. Service fees cover the costs of network operations, maintenance, depreciation and backbone circuits. Installation fees cover the costs of providing equipment to connect members to the network. Fees are subject to periodic review and change by the NEARnet Steering Committee.