Connectivity Providers Database

From: "ADRIAN QUINCY LABOR" <ADRIANL@EMF.Lan.McGill.CA> To: sghuter@psg.com, randy@psg.com Date: Wed, 25 Oct 1995 19:55:02 EST5EDT SierraNet - the Network, the Centre and the Team "Collectively, they provide the necessary awareness, technology and support to make information Technology (IT), particularly computer networking applications, available to the Sierra Leonean academic, professional, business and NGO communities." the Network - Fidonet Technology, the exchange of electronic data between two computers over public telephone lines, is an appropriate starting point to introduce computer networking in Sierra Leone. During the feasibility studies, a fidonet network involving three gateways, and several local nodes was in place to carry out tests. Messages were sent locally in a store-and- forward manner among local nodes. Internet style addressing was possible from local points. Looped messages where sent out of one gateway into the Internet and received via the other two gateways. Public database was created for both the COMAHS library and the Edward-Davies library. File requests among local nodes was also tested to support the development of public databases. These basic functions and appropriate gateway scheduling are all that is required to establish the network. The gateways used during the feasibility tests were the CABECA gateway at IPAM, the HealthNet gateway at SierraNet and the Baobab gateway at Securicom. The local nodes included, IPAM, FBC-Library, Securicom, SierraNet and the Edward-Davies Engineering Consulting Firm. However, this network would be started with the CABECA and HealthNet gateways along with dedicated local nodes mainly within interested institutions. This gives us access to the Internet via a European and NorthAmerican gateway. The IPAM gateway is polled on tuesdays and thursdays. The HealthNet/SierraNet gateway will be resumed later this month on two other days at most. Collaboration among these projects makes it possible to route messages between their respective gateways. In other words, once the network is fully operational, the users will be able to send and receive external Email four days in a week. The dedicated local nodes located within institutions will hold public databases that can be accessed via file requests. the Centre - By the end of the feasibility study, it was felt that the activities initiated during that study should continue. The aim is to reach a level of awareness that could sustain the introduction of Information Technology in Sierra Leone. A pilot centre was built to house the SierraNet Setup and to allow team members and support staff to operate from. The SierraNet Setup includes Two 486 Computers & monitors, each with a printer, 14400bps modems. Other peripherals included a fax machine, flatbed scanner, hand scanner and a phone line. A stand-by generator was provided for the centre too. The support library holds, a software sections containing the standard spreadsheet, wordprocessor, drawing software, programming software, fax software, communication software and a copy of the Microsoft office suite. The other section included textbooks on programming, computer-related magazines, and relevant documentation on Fidonet Technology and Information Technology in general. You are invited to donate materials of interest to the centre. Please use the mailing address - SierraNet, P.O Box 903, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa These are some of the electronic networking events, demonstrations and seminars conducted (or supported) by the SierraNet Project in Sierra Leone during the past seven months. 1) January 27, 1995 - Department of computer studies at IPAM organized a seminar to sensitize the public and private sector on electronic mail and the services currently available at IPAM 2) March 17, 1995 - SierraNet Project organized a follow-up to the seminar at IPAM. Librarians and interested individuals met to discuss the SierraNet proposal made at IPAM meeting. 3) May 19, 1995 - SierraNet presented the 1st Annual Exposition in Electronic Mail and Computer Networking. The Flexibility and scope of the SierraNet Setup was demonstrated. Other demos included Fidonet Technology for local and international polling sessions 4) April 25, 1995 - The Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers organized a seminar on the theme "Information Technology: The Sierra Leone Perspective". SierraNet members attended this event. 6) July 5, 1995 - Sierra Leone Science and Technology Information Network (SALSTINET), University of Sierra Leone opened their Pilot Centre. SALSTINET is an initiative of the university for collaboration between information generators, researchers and end users of science and technology in Sierra Leone" The SierraNet Team witnessed the opening 7) July 23, 1995 - SierraNet held an Open Day (with demonstration) at their newly erected site off congo cross. 9) July 26, 1995 - SierraNet conducted an electronic networking demonstration session for the technical staff at Sierra Leone Road Authority. This was done at the request of the Director-General of SLRA and in collaboration with their MIS division. the team - the team is responsible for planning, organizing and conducting SierraNet activities. The centre located at congo cross is staffed with two administrative persons responsible for all clerical duties and two technical persons responsible for maintenance of site and equipment. The SierraNet Team Members include: 1) D. T. Chaytor: Acting head of computer studies, Institute of Public Adminstration and Management, University of Sierra Leone. CABECA committee member. 2) L. E. Peters: Senior Library Assistant (In Charge), Institute of Public Adminstration and Management, University of Sierra Leone 3) O.Clinecole: Systems Analyst, Management Information Systems Division, Shell Company LTD, Freetown, Sierra Leone 4) A. Q. Labor: Engineering Graduate Student, McGill University (Montreal, Canada, SierraNet Project Coordinator 5) A. McCarthy: Business Adminstration, Graduate Student, McGill University (Montreal, Canada). SierraNet Project member. We welcome your support (Signed) Adrian Q. Labor, SierraNet Project Coordinator, M.Eng Student, McGill University. E-mail: adrainl@emf.lan.mcgill.ca