First, it should be understood that once a user interconnects the US centralsite computer with, say, Telenet's
public data network, global access capability is available immediately via international packet-switched data services now operational with more than 55 countries.
David Flickinger, who managers Boeing's distributed computing and telecommunications operations group, sums up a widespread view of
public data networks. "If we put up a Boeing 747 with a 99.9% reliability nobody would fly in it.
What makes them attractive is their ability to integrate different LAN topologies, such as Ethernet and token-ring, with various wide area network facilities, such as
public data networks and dedicated leased lines.
Roberts told members key technologies of 1992 will include
public data networks and ISDN.
X.25 packet switching has moved from
public data networks to the nucleus of private networks.
Three
public data networks can be used to access the DUAT service: Tymnet, Compuserve networkM and Sprint 800 service.
Common carriers and
public data networks are going to benefit by picking up most of the loss in business from AT&T and from the local telcos.