Executive Summary for ITSC Networking and Library Issues Subcommittee

November 3, 1997

Increased traffic on the network will result from both an overall increase in the use of computers to support the missions of the University and the increasing bandwidth demands of applications. Many applications are being introduced that are "network-centric" which only function well when the network and servers don't impose large delays.

The vision for networking is to provide near cutting-edge technology that will give students, faculty, and staff access to information technology from laboratories, classrooms, libraries, offices, and residences. This access with increased bandwidth must be provided in a cost-effective manner making use of economies of scale, centrality, and special arrangements. The information technology should run the gamut of services from telephone through data and multimedia options.

Networking and library issues can be grouped into six target areas:

1. Ports
1. Connectivity
1. Multimedia
1. Standards
1. Infrastructure
1. Library

Ports should be provided to faculty as a standard, to teaching assistants in programs where it is demanded, to staff for interactions with full and part-time faculty and administration, to computer labs (which will be most likely limited in total number), to dormitories for student use, and to classrooms using the 10 year plan for classroom modernization.

Connectivity will become essential to all members of the University community. Augmentation of network access to non-Pitt locations will be required. Network access alternatives -- ISDN, Cable Access, CDPD, Wireless -- need to be explored and constantly reviewed for the most efficient, cost effective applications. At the present time, cable TV-based access holds the greatest promise for high data rates. It is likely that the cable television providers would offer this capability as a bundled Internet service rather than in unbundled elements. Much depends on their marketing plan. Timing on these developments is unclear. Because of the uncertain environment it appears prudent to continue the present level of service.

Multimedia applications require high bandwidth. The University should provide a global interactive video network among the five campuses. It is anticipated that this will eventually require the replacement of the existing dedicated T1 video network with an on-demand bandwidth solution such as ISDN or ATM. This replacement should occur when standards, market conditions, and pricing are most attractive. Future expansion of the video network must include interactive desktop video solutions. To provide a robust information technology-based instructional environment, the University should encourage the development and distribution of instructional multimedia, provide access to multimedia instruction in classrooms, provide facilities and infrastructure to support multimedia tools, establish an Advanced Instructional Technology Group, and provide services, facilities, and training to support interactive video and multimedia development.

Standards are essential to provide increased reliability, reduce support costs, and allow access to the next generation of technology. Carrying out the implementation of standards and enforcement of them is a political issue that must be addressed. It may be necessary to state that a piece of machinery or hardware can be no older than a specified unit in order to ensure reliability of the system.

Network Infrastructure is required to provide a ubiquitous, high-speed, easy-to-use network system. The following are items that must be considered over the next few years:

• It is assumed that the existing backbone will provide acceptable service through 1998.
• Video transport should become a standard by 1999.
• The existing 5 Mbps Internet connection will not be sufficient for FY98. Currently, 8 Mbps in October 1997 implies higher cost for Internet connection.
• Links to the regionals at Greensburg and Titusville will need to be upgraded to T1 in FY02.

Demands for remote access will continue to exceed supply which may cause restrictions in use of the modem pool. Use of ISPs should be encouraged. However, access and security issues, such as implementation of virtual private networks (VPN) will need to be addressed.

It will be necessary in the future to augment the present multi-mode fiber with a single-mode fiber capable of passing data at much higher speeds.

Projections regarding centralized computer resources include the disappearance of VMS. UNIX will shift toward computationally intense functions. Mail, News, and WWW browsing will be handled by local machines and memory requirements for centralized computer servers will increase.

Capital costs cannot be isolated from operating costs, thus requiring close scrutiny of new and existing services.

Library services are undergoing a transition in emphasis toward electronic, network-based collections and services. Libraries will be constructing a system of gateways to local and remote networked information resources.

The library must deliver a full array of networked information services to University faculty, staff, and students. Improved presentation of all electronic resources through a single graphical user interface is required. The University must enhance and replace systems for managing and providing access to the University's library collections. Support is needed for:

• Graphical user interfaces to various electronic information resources from on-line catalog to bibliographic, full-text, and image databases from desktop devices using various client software package.
• Electronic exchange of information with vendors as well as with other University systems being developed to reduce printing and mailing costs and increase productivity.
• Retrieval and display of non-Roman character data.
• Gateways for access to bibliographic utilities and other information resources to enable staff productivity.

Improved management information reporting capabilities through additional bibliographic, full text, and image databases and enhanced electronic course reserves services are essential. The library should be able to provide electronic document delivery for faculty, students and staff, provide access to electronic journals, promote the use of electronic document suppliers, and establish collaborative ventures with other institutions.

A digital library center is suggested. This center would provide specialized software, hardware, and networking tools for integrated access to bibliographic, full-text, numeric, spatial, and visual databases, and create and organize comprehensive digital collections of both locally developed and purchased materials. The library should be poised to participate in National Digital Library Initiatives.