Responding to User Needs

INTRODUCTION

The ARPANET is currently undergoing a transition to an environment in

which network resources will be made available to a larger user base.

This emergent user base already contains a significant number of

terminal users not associated with a server site. Information relative

to network host services and access characteristics is needed to

encourage and assist new users.

To date, the Resources Notebook has been the primary outlet for efforts

to provide users with Network-wide information. A separate RFC, from the

NIC, discusses the past and current history more completely. In this

RFC, we would like to second the NIC's suggestion for the formation of a

Working Group concerned with User Information and Services, and we would

like to offer a specific suggestion for consideration at the NIC's

proposed meeting.

PROPOSAL

Many of the problems associated with the lack of adequate Network

information are caused by the many compilation steps. Too many resources

(most of them human) are required. In addition to delay, errors are

introduced. Part of the solution is to place the acquisition of basic

information closer to the source and make the source responsible for the

acquisition and maintenance.

The "source" is distributed around the Network and, therefore, the proposal is to develop and implement a distributed and extensible network data-base which contains the desired information. This would require each server site to create and maintain an information file locally and/or at the NIC. As a further (more down stream) step, a mechanism to access these files could be specified and implemented.

People at different sites would thereby be able to use the tools most comfortable and accessible to them.

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An interesting technical issue involves making the disparate files accessible by an automaton. The NIC is currently attempting to smooth out the interface between NLS and non-NLS files, and this seems like a reasonable object for such efforts.

[ This RFC was put into machine readable form for entry ]

       [ into the online RFC archives by Alex McKenzie with    ]
       [ support from GTE, formerly BBN Corp.             9/99 ]

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