Data Networking for the European Academic and Research Community: Is It Important?.

Spectacular developments in computer network technology and applications are imminent, but European research and industry are unprepared for them. The gigabit testbeds and the NREN plans in the United States and technology developments in Japan are a clear challenge. Europehas a complex pattern of national and international research networks that provide valuableservices for their existing users. The evolution of these networks has been hindered by a variety of regulatory, political, economic, and technical barriers to progress, especially the lack of political focus and the small scale of industrial involvement. This paper analyzes the situation and makes recommendations for the way forward.