Wired Romania

Making Networks a Way of Life

Rares Serban


Seven years ago in Romania, you could not have connected two networks without encountering significant problems: slow network connections, inferior telephone lines, poor cabling within and between buildings, and inadequate server resources and communications hardware. In 1990, however, Romania began improving network connectivity. As a result, Romanians can now take advantage of digital networks, satellite technologies, and Internet access.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Getting Romania connected was not easy. In fact, networking professionals faced several challenges in upgrading network and Internet services in Romania. The first challenge was that few Romanians understood the capabilities of networks and the Internet, and even fewer Romanians wanted to learn the skills necessary to use these tools effectively. In response to this challenge, networking professionals, university professors, and students throughout Romania worked to educate both companies and individuals about networks and the Internet.

Among the other challenges that networking professionals faced were installing networks, improving network connections, and solving network security problems. To overcome these challenges, networking professionals established network regulations and installed fast fiber-optic cables and satellite links both within Romania and between Romania and other countries.

MAKING PROGRESS

Networks and the Internet have now become an integral part of doing business in Romania. For example, some companies have used networks to develop long-distance telecommunications systems, and other companies specialize in providing Internet access and services such as network planning, installation, training, maintenance, and support.

Despite these advances, Romanians are still struggling to overcome obstacles. For example, local Internet service providers (ISPs) are trying to offer faster and more reliable Internet access, and many companies are trying to eliminate software piracy in Romania by educating users about licensing.

RNNUG TO THE RESCUE

Once Romania started getting connected, networking professionals needed a support system. Fortunately, the Romanian Novell NetWare user group (RNNUG) stepped in to help. RNNUG hosts regular meetings that networking professionals can attend to exchange tips. RNNUG also offers a library that contains software and other networking resources.

In addition, RNNUG provides the latest information about Novell products and discourages software piracy. In fact, RNNUG recently joined with Novell resellers in Romania to launch a licensing campaign that offers discounts on new and upgraded Novell products and on Novell technical support.

RNNUG has even developed a World-Wide Web site (http://w3.comm.pub.ro/rnnug). This site provides Romanians with information about RNNUG and Novell products. (To find out how you can purchase a collection of Novell products, see "CNE Product Link--It's Not Just for CNEs Anymore.")

Rares Serban is president of the NetWare user group in Bucharest, Romania.

NetWare Connection, November 1997, p. 46