[164] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
Re: The previous message from the BITNET policy list
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Lyle Seaman)
Wed Nov 14 17:13:13 1990
From: capybara!lws@capybara.comm.wang.com (Lyle Seaman)
To: com-priv@psi.com
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 90 11:28:31 EST
Stan Barber <sob@tmc.edu> posted a message originally written by
John Porter <ccjp@BU-IT.BU.EDU>.
John listed his opinions about the future role of BITNET in US
networking, and apparently doesn't think it really has a role,
that it should be replaced by whatever replaces the Internet.
I don't wish to contest his opinions, but I don't think we should
underestimate the value of competition in the market. John writes:
"We should all be working toward building one viable national network
structure, not perpetuating multiple dissimilar networks."
While it's inarguable that one national network could provide the
most smooth integration, and create the fewest hassles for administrators
and users alike, we must strive to create an environment in which it
is possible for new providers to enter the market, to provide
competition and innovation.
I'm willing to live with the difficulties of multiple (even dissimilar,
if necessary) networks if they will prevent an effective monopoly or
oligopoly.
Lyle Seaman Wang Labs lws@comm.wang.com
508 9672322 One of those "commercial" sites uunet!comm.wang.com!lws
