Welcome | Mapping the Maze | Learning Direct Database Services | Learning Direct Helpline Services | Metropolitan Area Networks and Wide Area Networks | University for Industry | Implementing the Vision Metropolitan Area Networks and Wide Area Networks Linda Tomos, Wales Information Network "The growth of wide area networking to underpin information management has resulted in significant opportunities for extending the delivery of learning opportunities information. This is a complex area with both strategic and operational aspects, however the key issues can usefully be summarised as :- Connectivity Collaboration Coherence Content Competence Wide area networks (WANs) and their high speed variant , metropolitan area networks (MANs) also represent significant challenges for information managers to design and sustain interactive systems which make a recognisable impact on the establishment of a learning 'culture'. These issues have widely discussed in Wales over recent years and considerable progress has been made in developing WANs and a MAN (in south Wales) to improve user access to learning, advice and guidance services. The development of suitable infrastructure is crucial to the advancement of robust information systems. The deregulation of the telecommunication industry in the U.K. together with technological advances in digital communication has resulted in the widespread availability of high speed networks in many areas. BT has recently expanded the range of digital ISDN services, conventional analogue modems now reach speeds of 56kps and at the other extreme, fibre optic cable services form the backbone of MANs at speeds of 155mbps. Wireless and microwave technology also offer alternative delivery mechanisms where cable is unavailable. Digital broadcasting will play an increasingly important role in delivering interactive information services. The other significant factor is the use of Internet technology as a de facto standard for communicating information across WANs and MANs. The availability of a common standard together with the attractive user interface provided by the world wide web has resulted in an explosion of content accessed via a local charge telephone call to an Internet service provider (ISP). In addition to the world wide global Internet, the same technology can be utilised to develop Intranets within organisations and extranets linking different organisations. The consequences of such rapid advances include two significant challenges for information managers. Already the increasing sophistication of telecoms, hardware and software results in higher expectations from users. Multi media content is seen to be the norm although this requires reasonably high speed access. Such developments marginalise users living in remote rural areas, for example, where cable networks and even digital broadcasting may not ever be available due to high costs. Wireless and microwave technologies have not yet emerged as robust alternatives and the promising technology of Internet access via the electricity supply is in its infancy. The development of effective information access in areas of social deprivation similarly will rely on commitment from agencies to provide the infrastructure if users are not be excluded from engaging with providers of learning opportunities on an equal basis with those connected to high speed WANs and MANs. However such a commitment places a significant financial burden on the relevant agencies, TECs, LECs, local authorities, development agencies, Business Links, Business Connect and others. The current pricing structure for dedicated telecom links is a constraint to the development of sustainable WANs, particularly in rural areas where the benefits of competition are not available. A positive strategy to address this difficult issue is that of collaboration . It is far more efficient financially to share expensive infrastructure than to maintain separate networks. In Wales an ambitious project, the Rural Wales Network is being built to connect 11 local authorities, TECs, development agencies and other public sector organisations to provide extranet links with a connection to the Internet. This network will therefore be able to link to JANET (the HE network ) and FE-NET (linking all Welsh FE institutions). In south Wales the MAN which form part of the SuperJANET HE network links all HE institutions at 155Mb. This cable network will be opened up to other public sector agencies. On a U.K. basis there will be opportunities under the Public Library Networking Plan to exploit the proposed backbone network linking all public libraries. In order to make effective use of collaborative networks it will be necessary to tackle the difficult issues of ownership, technical compatibility and resilience. Crucially, there needs to be a shared vision of the use of the WAN and its added value to the individual organisation. The obvious challenge from the user perspective is to provide coherent information access via the WAN. The global Internet is a chaotic environment. Sheer size is a formidable barrier to locating relevant information. Collaborative information management strategies can be very effective in meeting user needs. The All Wales Adult Guidance Network (AWAGN) information strategy, for example, includes a commitment to disseminate information via a www site and to link users to partner bodies. A private web space enables members of AWAGN to effectively communicate activities, developments and updates via a bulletin board and e-mail. In North Wales, CELTEC has piloted direct information collection from learning opportunity providers which will be disseminated to 80 host sites via the Internet following conversion to SCOTIA 2 software. Discussions are continuing to provide more effective delivery of the Wales Child Care database and an integrated Wales Adult Guidance Services Directory. There are still, however, many 'parallel universes' in the sector which inhibit the delivery of effective information from the user's perspective. It will be crucial to influence the development agenda of high profile initiatives such as UfI and NGfL to enable coherent, user-centred policies to be adopted for information, advice and guidance services delivered via WANs and MANs. These new frameworks require both a strategic information planning approach and effective information management methodologies. In Wales, the Wales Information Society action plan will be produced under the EU Regional Information Society Initiative (RISI) by the end of 1998 co-ordinated by the Welsh Development Agency. This plan is the result of a broad ranging consultation to map existing provision and identify key development areas. It is anticipated that it will provide a clear framework within which organisations can identify their role in knowledge management across electronic networks. The management of content disguises many complex issues to the user. The WAN and MAN offers tremendous opportunities to engage with large global audiences. Digital broadcasting will enhance that ability still further. The key issue for the information manager is to ensure that the information relating to learning opportunities can be accredited and validated in an open environment where the user's web browser will dictate the presentation of the information not the information provider. A quality brand for information content is essential in a networked environment where independent validation is difficult to enforce and rogue providers difficult to exclude. Information managers need to be proactive not only in developing quality systems for content which could be adopted by UfI but also in identifying the enhanced role that current staff will need to adopt if electronic data collection from providers becomes the norm. Another key issue for content management will be develop effective strategies to manage interaction between the user, provider of learning and facilitator. The WAN and MAN enable the user to engage directly with both providers and advisor agencies via Internet technology. World wide web sites and e-mail are tools to encourage the user to act upon the information provided. Electronic usergroups can provide a supportive environment for the learner and video conferencing can facilitate a more personal approach, particularly in remote areas which do not necessarily need to be rural. Poor public transport or lack of money on an urban housing estate can be equally isolating factors in maintaining barriers to learning. Digital broadcasting will be particularly useful in this context although this will be dependent on adequate affordable, infrastructure. The assumption that a professional approach to the development of strategies for infrastructure, collaboration and content will deliver the required service to users would be based on an incomplete premise. Competence is required both from information managers and users. Many roles can be identified in the delivery of electronic networked information services. These do not all necessarily expect a high level of technical knowledge. However I suggest that they do require an understanding of the role of the WAN or MAN in managing the information. This can be both at a strategic and operational level. Staff need to be comfortable with their role in information management and to clearly understand the usefulness of the approach. This is particularly important for front line staff in contact with users. Confidence in the technology is central to the user perception of the service and staff need to reinforce the message through their own response. The issue of user confidence is also key. Many of the target audience may be 'naive' users suspicious or lacking in confidence of their ability to use technology themselves. In addition, many will be unaware of the whole range of services which will be available via the WAN. Users and potential users need to be 'educated' via promotional campaigns and hands on experience for example via the BBC Computers Don't Bite initiative. In conclusion, there are many exciting opportunities to be grasped in utilising WANs and MANs for the electronic information management of learning opportunities. There are, in consequence, several important challenges for information managers in developing effective networked services which will require commitment and a proactive approach to successfully meet user needs." . At the conclusion of her presentation Linda invited questions from delegates. Q: What are the timescales for the expansion of MANs and what are the main funding issues? A: They are likely to develop sooner than we may think. There is great momentum and our role is to be proactive now. Funding is a big question. It is important that the required resources are put in now. It may be that the resources are available but are being misspent. If the investment is made now then there will be a big pay off later. Q: What are the implications for using electricity to transfer information? A: Trials have not been satisfactory; there is a potential problem with lampposts interfering with signals! Such a means of transferring data could solve infrastructure problems but it is likely to be priced to the equivalent of Local Area Networks. Pressure needs to be put on BT with regard to cost.