[8601] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
Re: Open Letter to the CIX -- Trade Association?
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Rob Raisch, The Internet Company)
Thu Nov 25 12:06:14 1993
Date: Thu, 25 Nov 1993 08:38:16 -0800 (PST)
From: "Rob Raisch, The Internet Company" <raisch@internet.com>
To: "Erik E. Fair" <fair@apple.com>
Cc: com-priv@psi.com
In-Reply-To: <23594.754222189@apple.com>
Erik,
Perhaps in my frustration I gave the impression that I felt CIX
needed to provide the services and functions I suggest. CIX need do
nothing more than its members decide. But the CIX is in the unique
position already of being able to address these issues with little change
to itself or its image on the Global Internet. This along with its
current relationship with the major commercial providers of connectivity
make it the 'logical' choice, IMHO.
The ISOC might be another, but as a user organization, it has a
broader charter than is needed; just as the CIX has a narrower one. I do
not believe that the ISOC can provide these services without the creation
of another, less user-oriented organization.
My chief fear is that without building what I have suggested we
will be forced into a future where the Internet will be subsumed under
the wing of a larger, more ubiquitious information infrastructure.
Normally, this would not be a problem, based on the Internet
technology's unique ability to infect competing technologies with its own
brand of egalitarian access. But in the face of other less equal access
infrastructures (specifically the hybrid model being built by the cable
companies), I fear the worst.
Recently, I heard the chairman of some large player (Diller or
Redstone, perhaps) ask: "Why would the user *want* much bandwidth going
out of the home?" This frightens the hell out of me and ignores what I
believe to be the primary benefit of the Internet technologies -- no
technological distinction between the producers and consumers of
information.
By building what I have suggested, we build a true commercial
marketplace out of the chaos, and perhaps, generate enough of a market
force to allow this unique vision to continue.
</rr>
On Thu, 25 Nov 1993, Erik E. Fair wrote:
> I read your open letter with a growing sense of puzzlement - why does
> the CIX need to do all those things? I find their function as the
> inteconnection nexus of the commercial Internet world quite sufficient.
> Besides, if you want to get real work done, it is important to set
> clear, realizable goals. The CIX founders did that, and they have
> succeeded in maintaining (despite the recalcitrance of a variety of
> other parties) the interconnection of the Internet, and instigating the
> beginning of the end of the NSFNET AUP.
>
> Then it dawned on me - your letter is not for the CIX; it's for the
> Internet Society. They are vastly better positioned to provide the
> incredible laundry list of information and advocacy services you're
> asking for.
>
> Erik E. Fair apple!fair fair@apple.com
>
