With the current state of computing and data communication technology, connecting widely dispersed, multivendor computing resources is a complex and expensive undertaking. Network strategies and management issues are discussed. (MLW)

Management of information technology at Dallas County Community College District is centralized. Information technology organization and planning, integrated data network, computer services, end user services, and educational technology are discussed. (MLW)

The data communications requirements of California State University, Los Angeles, reflected in its proposals for an integrated voice/data communications system are described. The advantages and disadvantages of three data communications technologies--voice-and-data private branch exchange, data private branch exchange, and the local area…

Indiana University has over 300 microcomputers connected to the administrative mainframe. The issue of micro/mainframe data transfer is discussed and guidelines for planning this capability are provided. Types of micro/mainframe data transfer products, product choice, and how the product works in the transfer environment are described. (Author/MLW)

The original goal of an information center was to create an environment wherein end users could generate their own analyses and management reports from institutional data without the direct aid of information systems staff. It is suggested, however, that real productivity gains are not being achieved. (MLW)

ConnectPac, a software package developed at Iona College to allow a computer user to access all services from a single personal computer, is described. ConnectPac uses mainframe computing to support a campus computing network, integrating personal and centralized computing into a menu-driven user environment. (Author/MLW)

In response to concerns about the cost of keeping up with individual desktop computing technology, several new solutions have emerged. Referred to as "thin clients," or network-centric computers, they include two types of desktop device: the network computer and the Windows terminal. Purchase cost, life span, support costs, and overall total cost…

The computing and information services (CIS) organization includes administrative computing, academic computing, and networking and has three divisions: computing services, development services, and information services. Other computing activities include Health Sciences, Humanities Computing Center, and Department of Computer Science and Systems.…

"Downsizing" has become the newest catchword as more and more traditional applications are being implemented on microcomputers or in a cooperative processing environment encompassing both micro and mainframe capability. Organizational adaptation to the change occurring in the computer industry is discussed. (MLW)

The Academic Computing Center at Winthrop College has gone beyond simple connectivity in linking its three local area networks to each other and the campus minicomputer. The environmental impact of the installation of bridges and gateways on systems, personnel, and end users is described. (MLW)

The installation of a local area network (LAN) to support two classrooms at Lehman College is described. The objectives were to improve the effectiveness of staff by reducing the time required for distributing and collecting diskettes and for maintenance of the diskette library, and to facilitate access to peripheral devices. (Author/MLW)

The evolution of value-added network services (VAN), current technology, and some of the major VAN vendors and types of services for universities are described. A network glossary is included. (MLW)

Reengineering efforts, vendor consolidation, and rising costs prompted the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to convert its computer resale store to an online catalog that allows students, faculty, and staff to purchase equipment and software through a World Wide Web interface. The transition has been greeted with a mixed reaction. The next…

Grinnell College offers a curriculum that integrates computing throughout, with a classroom emphasis on using the computer to help the faculty teach, rather than obtain products to supply the teaching. Organization and planning, hardware and communications, administrative computing, public computing areas, and desktop publishing are discussed.…

John Sculley, the chairman of the board of Apple Computer, Inc., discusses information technology management, management strategies, network management, the Chief Information Officer, strategic planning, back-to-the-future planning, business and university joint ventures, and security issues. (MLW)