INET '99 Workshop Promotes Global Internet Expansion; Internet Society Program to Help Fight Information Poverty

RESTON, Va., March 29 -- The Internet Society is fighting to erase the line between information "haves" and "have-nots" as it hosts the seventh annual Network Training Workshop for countries in the early stages of internetworking, June 13-20 in San Jose, Calif., and simultaneously in Merida, Venezuela. The San Jose workshop will feature English and French language tracks; the Merida workshop will be conducted in Spanish.

The Network Training Workshop will be held in conjunction with INET'99, the ninth annual conference of the Internet Society, June 22-25 in San Jose. More than 300 professionals from developing nations are expected to attend the Workshop, held annually since 1993, to be trained in the technical and operational aspects of establishing and managing network systems.

The Workshop already has had dramatic impact on global access to the information-rich Internet, according to Don Heath, Internet Society president and CEO. Nearly 1,200 graduates of the Workshops have set up Internet connections and networks in virtually every country that has become "wired" over the last six years.

"In a world where, increasingly, information is power, the issue of accessibility to that power base is vital. We aim to empower citizens from every country to effectively exploit the technologies that can fuel national economies," said Heath. "The return on our investment is phenomenal. Not only are we developing expertise among a core group, we're enabling them to train others in their own countries how to master crucial networking technologies."

Heath said the Internet Society has nearly achieved its initial goal of facilitating the wiring of every country around the globe. Now, the organization's focus is on developing a critical mass of experts and technicians who will help implement near universal access to the Internet within every country.

The Network Training Workshop offers an intensive program of instruction composed of four concurrent instructional tracks. The tracks are: * Host-based Internetworking Technology -- how to design, set up and operate a TCP/IP network * Backbone Internetworking Technology -- how to design , set up and operate a metropolitan, regional or national TCP/IP dedicated backbone network with a permanent connection to the international Internet * Internet Information Services -- how to set up and design quality Internet information services with emphasis on the World Wide Web * National Network Management -- how to manage the development of a national public Internet, practically and cost-effectively

The "hands-on" training is designed for professionals who will play a vital role in establishing the Internet's presence in their countries or facilitating the efforts of schools, government agencies, businesses and residents to learn about and profit from Internet services.

Funding for the workshop is provided by The Internet Society and through the sponsorships of commercial enterprises and non-profits around the world. Previous Networking Workshops have been held in Palo Alto, Calif. and Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.; Prague, Czech Republic; Montreal, Canada; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Geneva, Switzerland; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and in various locations in Africa.

Workshop Registration

Registration for the workshop is US $3,500. This includes tuition and fees for the workshop, all lodging and meal charges during the workshop, and attendance at INET'99. Financial assistance may be available to qualifying participants. For additional information or to register for the Networking Workshop or the INET'99 Conference, visit the Internet Society's Web site at www.isoc.org/inet99 or call 1-703-326-9880.

About INET'99

INET is the premier event of the Internet industry and provides an international forum for advancing the development and implementation of the Internet networks, technologies, applications and policies around the globe. Established and organized by the Internet Society, INET brings together world leaders and pioneers of cyberspace, information technology professionals, business executives, educators, and government officials to exchange experiences and shape the future of the Internet.

INET'99 is expected to attract 3,000 attendees from more than 100 countries to address issues emanating from the Internet's impact on commerce and finance, education, technologies and societies throughout the world. INET'99 will also include presentations of more than 100 research papers, technical reports and case studies.

Information on the INET'99, including detailed information on registration and program tracks, is available on the Internet at www.isoc.org/inet99.

About the Internet Society

The Internet Society is the international organization for global coordination and cooperation of the Internet. The Internet Society was established in 1991 in response to a recognized worldwide need for a non- governmental, international organization to help promote global expansion and change of the Internet. Today, the Internet Society assists the needs of the growing worldwide Internet community in many ways: through its annual INET conference; other sponsored events, tutorials, statistical and market research; advocacy programs; network training workshops for emerging countries; and with publications like its award-winning bimonthly magazine OnTheInternet. The Internet Society is comprised of members from more than 150 countries.

CONTACTS:

Craig Jelinek, the Internet Society
408-395-3858
jelinek@isoc.org