What is OneNet?

The OneNet Member Network is a global network based on First Class technology. OneNet offers a wide range of file and message conferences, and supports member
systems by tracking network topology, and providing information on the network.
OneNet also has plans to build a worldwide system of hubs to expand the
network.The OneNet is expanding very rapidly so that information on it dates
rapidly. To establish an account, call the BBS nearest you, or dial (415)948-1349 to download a more current listing. For more information on the current state of
the OneNet Member Network, please contact the OneNet fax and voice message
center at (415)948-5086. After dialing the number, you may direct your call to the
appropriate voice mailbox:
1. John Skeehan, Gateway Coordinator
2. John Clelland, Marketing Manager
3. Hank Mollanaeur, Gateway Coordinator
4. Steve Heckler, File Administrator
5. Nick Chinn, Conferences Administrator
You can also  mail inquires to: OneNet Los
Altos, 4546 El Camino Real, # 127, Los
Altos, California 94022.

Goals and objectives

With a goal of establishing an electronicglobal nervous system, the OneNet Member
™ Network of Macintosh bulletin boardsystems is rapidly developing through the
efforts of BBS administrators and usersworldwide. The OneNet Member Network is hooking up BBSes which use the graphical interface First Class™ groupware and
telecommunications program developed by SoftArc Inc. of Canada, taking advantage
of the software’s gatewaying (server-to-server communication) features. OneNet hopes to do for electronic information exchange what the Mac did for computing – that is, to make telecommunications fun and easy. The First Class software’s familiar Macintosh human interface makes this possible. “We want to grow a Macintosh-based
distributed network system that provides low-cost, high-quality access to information, tools and community,” says OneNet Executive Director Scott Converse. “It’s about creating an online, virtual community of people connected to share knowledge and resources. Our goal is to serve as one of the methods you can use to glue the various networks in the world together into The OneNet; our word for the ubiquitous global nervous system that’s slowly forming around low cost servers, networks, laptop computers and the upcoming PDAs” says Converse.

The OneNet Member organization, running a large BBS in Los Altos, California, near Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, hopes to tie together not only individual BBSes, but
schools, hospitals, universities, governments, and other First Class networks and other networks that already exist or that are already forming. Networks such as FidoNet and Internet operate in other areas of the computer world.  OneNet is growing as a similar
grassroots approach by creating an easy-to-use, online community that is distributed
but connected. The OneNet Member Network is currently establishing a backbone to which any public or private First Class BBS can link and receive conferences – special interest forums that are gatewayed from the originating system in Los Altos, or published by any other OneNet Member BBS.  To join the OneNet, contact the OneNet Member Network to establish which hub BBS they should gateway to. The OneNet Member Network is set up to be easy to connect to and participate in…both from the end user’s, and the First Class BBS administrator’s standpoint.

FirstClass™ provides conferences (forums) that can be both local to a specific system
and “sharable” by replication over gateways . Other features of the software include electronic mail, real time chats, databases, and searching capabilities. The software supports carrying out several activities simultaneously. One goal of OneNet Member Network is to establish network servers in hospitals to give children and other patients access to outside communication. Maintaining active mental acuity has been shown in studies to be extremely beneficial to patients’ relief of suffering. Doctors and nurses could also use the system to communicate and share information with hospitals across the world more quickly and inexpensively. A core set of conferences is shared by all BBSes in the network, containing discussions of interest to most all Macintosh users. These include Macintosh hardware and software assistance, modem information, and First Class support from SoftArc Inc., the developers of the First Class communications system. Gatewayed systems can have their pick of conferences that they wish to carry from the backbone hub systems, which will distribute up to 100 or more separate forums, much as a magazine distributor gives retailers many choices from which to pick. Key logistical concerns are being addressed by directors of the originating system in Los Altos, with SoftArc also paying special attention. These include software enhancements to prevent looping of messages, growing pains that were experienced early on by other large networks.  SoftArc is  looking at the problems that other networks have had, and will try to avoid the same mistakes when possible. Access to the network’s friendly graphic interface is just around the corner for PC owners, as SoftArc has announced a client package for Windows; First Class has always supported log ons using the server BBS’s Command Line User Interface. Global multipoint access to information with just a local phone call will become a reality as more BBSes join the network, which is already comprised of several dozen FirstClass systems worldwide.

There are many areas currently carried in OneNet, too many to list here (Over 200).

         If you wish to obtain a list, please mail one of the administrators of skyNET, or look in the OneNet message area on skyNET.