Ameritech Library Services has announced the general release of NetConnect, a software/hardware package designed to enable libraries to introduce Internet resources and applications to their patrons and staff. NetConnect is a turnkey solution configured on a Sun Microsystems Netra server. Among the features of Net-Connect are the inclusion of Pine E-mail and web browsers installed and ready to go for PCs and terminals. It also includes the Netscape web server. Ameritech provides ongoing support for the whole package.
By placing Internet services on the NetConnect server, new Internet services can be easily incorporated into NetConnect without interfering with current core services provided by the library's automated library system. In a simple turnkey solution, NetConnect networks the Sun Netra Internet server—with its complement of Internet services—with a Dynix system, or potentially another UNIX-based library system, thus providing an integrated Internet solution.
NetConnect also provides a smooth transition from searching a library's OPAC to searching a remote system database. The librarian, patron, or dial-up user can use the CPU gateway's menu to easily access E-mail, a World Wide Web browser, or a library-customized list of Internet sites.
Two NetConnect configurations are available to libraries: the Sun Netra Workgroup Internet Server and the Sun Netra Departmental Internet Server. The Sun Netra Workgroup Internet Server supports smaller libraries, and the Sun Netra Departmental Internet Server supports libraries with demands for more user access to the Internet.
NetConnect requires a full-time Internet connection. It is compatible with Dynix systems or other hardware platforms based on UNIX. Routers certified on Dynix or other approved routers are also required.
Ameritech Library Services and Sun Microsystems Computer Company have pooled their resources to jointly market the software/hardware package to libraries.
[Contact: Ameritech Library Services, 400 Dynix Drive, Provo, UT 84604; (801) 223-5200 or (800) 288-8020; FAX (801) 223-5202.]
