On behalf of Mary Jane Irwin, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, and Sid Karin, Professor of Computer Science, University of California, San Diego, I cordially invite you to participate in an invitation-only workshop on March 1-2, 1999, in San Diego, California, entitled, "Future Scenarios for NSF Networking Research and Associated Infrastructure Support."

This workshop will engage recognized experts in a discussion of the most effective means of promoting networking research and development following the termination of the National Science Foundation (NSF) vBNS award in the year 2000. The Computing Research Association (CRA) and the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), with support from the NSF, will host this workshop of network and computing researchers to discuss future scenarios for NSF networking research and associated infrastructure support. NSF wants to hear from the research community before formulating its plans; this workshop is intended to give the community an appropriate forum at which to express its views.

The two-day meeting is planned for March 1-2, 1999 in San Diego, and will be co-chaired by Dr. Irwin and Dr. Karin. This effort will generate the basis of a report to the NSF that will include recommendations on funding initiatives in networking research and the requirements placed on future post-vBNS alternatives by that research.

The vBNS network program has been the centerpiece of the NSF advanced networking infrastructure program since 1995. This program, together with its companion "connections" program for universities, has been credited with the early implementation, testing, and improvement of significant technologies for high-performance communications. It has supported the development of a family of new applications for research in science and engineering, and currently serves as a core network of important R&D collaborations, including NGI, PACI, and Internet2.

The five-year award for the vBNS program will expire in April 2000. Both external and internal review panels have concluded that continued NSF investment in advanced networking is a crucial to maintaining our strength in R&D for advanced network technologies as well as for the development of novel applications in a variety of sciences and other disciplines. At the same time, the entire world of networking--technologies, business models, stakeholders, industrial partners, and public and international interests--has advanced far beyond the original vision for the vBNS. Accordingly, NSF is seeking the advice of leading experts and stakeholders on its best approach to further advancing the field.

It is important that we hear from you asap as to your interest and ability to attend on March 1-2, 1999. Please contact Nancy Jensen at jensenn@sdsc.edu, 619.534.5039 to rsvp. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Sincerely,

Ann Redelfs