ECC on the move!

The Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) continues to provide both new services and add value to AITP members while providing an opportunity for talented members to share their knowledge and expertise. With the unbelievable rise in popularity of the Internet many mainstream Information Technology professionals have found themselves behind the learning curve. The possibilities for providing enhanced communications and knowledge exchange are practically unlimited. The ECC continues to make steady progress in providing continually improved electronic communication services to our members and the public. Incidentally new ECC committee members are welcomed with open arms, just contact Mike at [email protected] or John at [email protected]. Major ECC initiatives currently underway include: 1. Internet Forum, 2. Chatrooms, and 3. On-line membership database. John Biros initiated the present test and evaluation system shortly after the ABoD meeting in Charleston, WV and there have been at least three sessions. The first was a general discussion of the chatroom facility and included John Biros, Mike Michalski, and John Foertschbeck. The second held on Sunday, February 2, 1998 focussed on IT related legislative issues and included - moderator, Charles Oriez, Mike Michalski, Ed Rippon, and John Foertschbeck. The third session held Saturday, February 14, 1998, was a little bit of a potpourri with focus on online AITP membership database, the participants were: Craig Kennedy, Lore Balkan, and John Foertschbeck.

This particular chatroom software also includes - 1. bulletin board (indexed or threaded message exchanges, 2. private e-mail, 3. calendar for scheduling events, and 4. a "public" and several "private" chatrooms. The ECC intends to continue using and evaluating this facility through the end of April 1998. Assuming a positive assessment, we will then move to setup a permanent facility which may be purchased software installed as a integral part of our home page or continued connection through a third party such as Marshall University. There is still time to volunteer, simply send an E-mail message to: John Biros, [email protected]. or myself, John Foertschbeck, [email protected].

ONLINE DATABASE

Providing an interface and access to an on-line copy of the AITP membership database has long been a dream to some folks and a potential nightmare to others. Issues run the gauntlet from maintaining a single, accurate database to real privacy concerns and potential destruction of...