Creating a giant computer highway; Robert Kahn's vision of a national network of information begins to take hold
Article Abstract:
Robert Kahn, working at the Corporation for National Research Initiatives, has organized a coalition of corporations, government agencies and educational institutions who have agreed to participate in planning for a high-speed national network of computers. Such a network could unleash much national scientific, educational and economic activity. The network - which is likened to a highway system for transmitting data - would ship information at gigabit speeds (billions of bits of data per second). According to Kahn, who calls the proposed network 'an information infrastructure,' the components of such a system extend beyond the basics of computers and fiber-optic cables. For an example, Kahn cites the creation of a decentralized national library system with scattered, specialized databases searched by sophisticated searcher robots called knowbots.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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Head of I.B.M. unit looks to busy future
Article Abstract:
Lucie J. Fjeldstad, head of IBM's multimedia computing unit, confirms that the company is actively seeking alliances with companies, ranging from movie special effects houses to publishers, as part of its efforts to secure a berth in the emerging multimedia market. Fjeldstad also said that other companies are, in turn, pursuing IBM as partner in building multimedia offerings. IBM has developed technology that creates high-speed networks that can transmit data faster than a billion bits per second. Experiments are being done with Rogers Cable, Canada's biggest cable company. The first test systems will be deployed in Toronto, where banks will be linked for various applications, such as videoconferencing and electronic mail.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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High-speed data system is discussed
Article Abstract:
IBM, MCI Communications Corp and officials of a group of Michigan universities are initiating talks with the Federal government, considering a non-profit corporation that would create a high-speed, nation-wide computer network. The new network, which will be 700 times faster than the fastest current networks, is expected to raise issues involving competition, as well as who will run the data networks and how they will be financed. Many analysts view the networks as essential to promoting industrial competitiveness in areas ranging from broadcasting to scientific research but regional computer networks are concerned that a corporation formed by MCI and IBM will stifle small commercial operations.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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