Traditions and pressures in the academic environment accounting for early and continuing involvement of higher education with computer networking are described. Several established networks illustrating the wide range of academic applications currently available as well as policy issues of particular significance in academic networks are…

BITNET is a growing computer network of increasing importance to colleges and universities, research institutions, and the EDUCOM organization. The current status of BITNET, examples of its use, connections to other networks, probable growth path, and the new Network Information Center at EDUCOM are discussed. (JN)

Describes the strategy used at Carnegie-Mellon University for providing adequate services for the increasing demands of campus computing. This strategy combines the flexibility of leasing with the economy of outright purchase by acquiring smaller systems at frequent intervals and distributing processing. (CMV)