🚀 go-pugleaf

     The CREN Board, at its last meeting, decided to seek proposals for
operation of a CREN-owned (or -leased) Server system.  This CREN Server
will be a VM/CMS system dedicated to supplementing the volunteer support
for various BITNET-related activities now being provided by CREN
members.  The CREN Server is expected to provide
              INTERBIT gateway services
              BITFTP services for CREN members
              LISTSERV lists for CREN members without conveniently
                            accessible LISTSERV software
and other services to be defined, possibly including lists accessible
only to CREN members.  It is possible that it may be desirable for the
CREN Server to provide the primary INTERBIT gateway service for CREN
members, in order to reduce problems resulting from small differences in
the behavior of BITNET-Internet gateways such as ASCII-EBCDIC conversion
tables.  The CREN Server may also become the BITNIC machine.  It should
help stabilize BITNET services for the next few years, during a
transition to IP-based services, in addition to providing a possible
platform for development of new services for CREN members.
     The CREN Server system is expected to be located at a CREN member
institution capable of providing round-the-clock support.  The CREN
Customer Services and Relations Committee is developing a formal Request
for Proposals for this system and its support.  The CREN Board expects
to have proposals received, contract awarded, and equipment installed no
later than July 1, 1993.