New Computer Remote Access Agreement Reached with IBM Global Network

University Information Systems (UIS) announced recently that it has concluded an agreement with IBM Global Network to participate in IBM's Internet Communications for Education program (ICE).

The program is designed to provide cost-effective and reliable dial-up Internet access, at a variety of speeds, to Harvard faculty, staff, and students from home and while traveling.

After reviewing proposals from a number of Internet service providers, UIS, in conjunction with the Information Technology Forum, concluded that the IBM program provided the best mix of local access, features, maintenance support, and cost options.

The program has a flexible pricing structure offering three levels of service to Harvard users. Each has a $10 registration fee.

For the occasional user, a "Basic" plan is available at $4.95 per month. This plan provides three hours of usage each month with extra hours charged at $1.95 each. At the second level, the "Value" plan offers 50 hours of access per month for $12.95. Finally, heavier users can sign up for the "Comprehensive" plan, which provides 100 hours of access for $17.95 per month. Additional hours for both the Value and Comprehensive plans are chargeable at $.95 per hour.

The IBM network supports over 600 local "points of presence" (or POPs) throughout the United States and Canada. POPs provide telephone dial-up access into the network. Because they are local to the user they greatly reduce the likelihood that a long-distance call will be necessary to connect to the service. Additionally, if local call access isn't available while traveling in the United States, an 800 number service is available at reasonable per minute rates.

For international travelers, the IBM Global Network is available in 50 countries with an additional 700 points of presence for local calling. Harvard's ICE program user I.D.s can be used for up to 30 days while traveling overseas at no additional cost.

The IBM Global Network provides Tier 1 access to the Internet at a variety of speeds, including 56Kbps and ISDN. Maintenance and problem resolution are readily available from IBM via a toll-free 800 number service.

As an added feature to subscribers of the Comprehensive plan, up to five additional mail accounts are available for family members at no extra cost.

The program is designed for easy sign-up with payment via personal credit card. For more information, see the Website at www.uis/remote_access/ibm_isp/. It is possible to sign up for the service through this Website and download necessary software at no additional cost. Software will also be available at the UIS Technology Product Center at 1730 Cambridge St. for a $5 fee.