Abstract :
It is argued that the drive towards a ubiquitous globally connected information network has begun. This exciting development for the 1990´s has been stimulated by advancements of communications and networking technologies in many fkonts, including fiber, wireless, satellite communication and computer technologies. Ultimately all these disparate systems must be interconnected into a seamless web of interoperable communication and information networks, data bases, severs etc., that will eventually link businesses, schools, industxies and homes together. The types of services to be provided will be very broad, from entertainment to specialized computer communications for research, development and manufacturing. As the world proceeds to develop this global network, industries and governments will have to make some very hard choices that will affect the investment on research and development and ultimately the architecture and the physical hardware that would be put in place in the next decade or so. Since this next network promises to be large, extensive, costly and likely to be around for decades to come, it is important at this very critical juncture to ensure that all the critical issues are addressed and the appropriate architecture and hardware are inserted in the build-up.
