This is part of a series of regular newsletters outlining events and happenings in the Arizona State Public Information Network and throughout the State of Arizona. If you would like to submit a story for the next ASPIN News please contact:

R.B. Wilkins
august@asu.edu
(602) 965-4128

COX Partnership with ASPIN - Cox Communications, the fifth largest national cable provider, has partnered with ASPIN to establish a Network Information Center (NIC) for their cable modem trial program. Located on the main campus of Arizona State University, the NIC staff serves as the seven days a week, one-stop shopping ready reference for cable Internet customers. They develop FAQ's, create Web pages, and offer technical assistance to the members of Cox's trial program. The NIC team serves as role models for the national help desk and technical training program. Cox's information center will continue at ASU until May when the nation-wide training is complete. Check out the Cox NIC pages at:

http://cox.asu.edu

Arizona Learning Systems (ALS) - Arizona's community colleges, in conjunction with the Arizona State Legislature, are seeking funding for quality distance learning and technology-assisted education. ALS, a pilot program, plans to connect 10 community college districts, many of which are current ASPIN customers. ASPIN will be advising ALS on network architecture and internet connectivity. Mike Emerson, ALS steering committee and ASPIN team member, "Hopes ALS will increase rural access to education, stimulate educational reform and encourage economic development." Eventually, ALS will make community colleges the backbone of internet connections for rural K-12s and rural communities. ALS plans to offer classes starting in the spring semester of 1997. You can find ALS's web pages at:

http://www.yavapai.cc.az.us/als/als.htm

New Media Arizona - New Media Arizona is an organization devoted to capturing the excitement of the technological revolution in Arizona. NMA has announced its formation as an industry association for people engaged in the business of new media as well as interested consumers and representatives of the public sector. New Media Arizona features programs by industry experts and local officials on the status of new media efforts such as Internet developments, infrastructure changes, electronic commerce, and multimedia. Check out the New Media Arizona Pages for more information at:

http://www.aznewmedia.com

Telecommunications Policy Office Update - The Telecommunications Policy Office is dedicated to the development and implimentation of policies that promote the use and advancement of telecommunications and information technology in Arizona. With Jerry Porter as its new Executive Director, the TPO will continue to lead the State's march to the 21st century. Mr. Porter comes to the TPO from the Arizona Corporation Commision. Bringing his legal expertise to the new office, Jerry Porter will continue the efforts established by John Kelley. Check out the Telecommunication Policy Office pages for new events:

http://www.state.az.us/tpo

Wired University - Approximately 3,000 residential students at the University of Albany will enjoy dedicated access to library and central computing services as well as Web-based course materials, as part of the network services provided to the school's residence halls. In conjunction with this ResNet effort, the university has hired students to help faculty prepare and mount course materials such as class notes and outlines, images, and lectures. (Heller Report Sep 96)

http://www.albany.edu

Moonlighting on the Net - Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have concluded that idle PCs could be leased out by their owners to remote users who might have occasional need for a computer, but not want to buy one. "It seems silly to invest lots of money to buy more computing power when all you have to do is utilize what's already out there," says one researcher, who cites the example of an accountant who has a one-time need to use some graphics design capability. Technology already can support remote control of PCs over the Internet, and the researchers say all that's needed is some sort of system for leasing the machines and their software, while keeping the computer owner's files private and secure. (Investor's Business Daily 26 Aug 96 A6)

Weekly NIC Phone Conference - You can join the ASPIN NIC staff on their weekly phone conference at (602)542-9015 every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Please email Skip Brand, the ASPIN Executive Director, beforehand at SKIP@ASU.EDU. The phone call helps to ensure mutual coordination and support. We hope that you may find this service helpful.