InfoNet (TM) International Business Network Wien / Austria - Fairfax,VA / USA October 09,1992 Main Policy Document 1. Background: InfoNet is the operator of the first direct international commercial business network which carries only economic and related materials.InfoNet was born after the merger of the US based CemNet Network and the Austrian based CompuDat business network.The new international computer network, InfoNet was founded in order to foster and assist worldwide commercial activity, to provide a 21st century tool to our costumers. InfoNet will not try to re-invent the process of networking. We will use and adhere to most of the standards that International FidoNet Association has already adopted and implemented into their network. This is done to make use of the existing software and to foster compatibility. 2 Overview This document is an introduction of the official policy of InfoNet International Business Network and does not replace the future contract between InfoNet Management and the participating BBS's. InfoNet is defined by INFOLIST.### issued weekly (Saturday Morning between 3-4 AM) by the Management of InfoNet. Separate policy documents may be issued at the region (HOST) level to provide additional details on local procedures. Ordinarily, these lower-level policies may not contradict this policy. However, with the approval of HQ Management, local policy can be used to implement differences required due to local conditions. 2.1 Definitions InfoNet nodes are grouped on several levels. These are as follows: Nodes: A node is a single Net address, and is the smallest recognized unit of the Net, at this time. Nets: A net is a collection of nodes, there will one net in each area code. Regions (HOSTs):A region is a TIME ZONE area containing 1 or more nets. Main Host:The Main Host is the HQ of InfoNet.It is located in Vienna, Austria(European HQ) and in Fairfax,VA(American HQ). InfoNet: This indicates the entire business/mail network, as designed by the InfoNet Headquarters ( Main Hosts) and as defined by the latest INFOLIST.###. 2.2 InfoNet has developed the following levels of organization: The MAIN Coordinator(InfoNet Vienna HQ). Every business decision will be made in Vienna, Austria by the network main European coordinator and part-owner of InfoNet, Mr. Helmut Tempsch. Every network/presentation related decision will be made by the network main American coordinator and part-owner of InfoNet, Mr.Sandor J. Horvath. The main American coordinator compiles the master INFOLIST.### from the lists received from the Regional (Host) coordinators. The MAIN Coordinators is also responsible for receiving and making mail and files available to the REGION Coordinators in their respective areas in Europe and in America. The REGION (HOST) Coordinator. The REGION Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the list of NETS for his REGION, and for picking up and delivering mail&file from/to the MAIN Coordinator. The REGION Coordinator MUST deliver to and pickup mail from the MAIN HQ on a timely basis, at least once daily, to insure the timely dissemination for mail. National File Hour (NFH): Saturday between 3-4 AM. National Mail Hour (NMH): Sunday between 3-4 AM. The NET Coordinator. The NET Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the list of nodes within his Network. He is also responsible for picking up and delivering mail from/to the REGION Coordinator. This also must be done on a timely basis. The Schedule is set by the Region Coordinator. 3.0 Language The official language of InfoNet is English. All documents must be in English. 4.0 Introduction InfoNet is an international commercial business data-base and electronic mail system operating on a subscription basis. As such, all of its participants has to accept and sign InfoNet's Main Contract and will become sub - contractors, establishing a dedicated Bulletin Board System operating solely for this network. (This can be an otherwise totally separated section of an already established and already running BBS.) 4.1 InfoNet has establish five regions in the United States. The boundaries of the regions run along the boundaries for the different Time Zones. Region 1 = Atlantic Region 2 = Eastern Region 3 = Central Region 4 = Mountain Region 5 = Pacific The Region (Host) Representative responsibility is to organize a complete network in his/her respective region. This should be organized along the area- code lines. The Nets responsibility is to get the subscribers: businesses, investors, research institutions and universities. There is a possibility to sell our service to small newspapers, radio stations. You must not forget, we are selling a very high priced commodity: economic data, information, research papers and electronic publications. The subscription price ( the price what subscribers are paying for our services, Member SysOps are not paying for becoming a member of the NET) can be find in a separate document called "INFONET.PRC". This document is contains our advertisement prices also. InfoNet is operating on a commission bases. After a would be participating SysOp indicates his or her interest, InfoNet will send the Main Contract for review and signature. The Main Contract is simple, but contains every aspects of our agreement. 4.2 Nodes and System Operators The smallest subdivisions of InfoNet are the Nodes, corresponding to a single entry in the INFOLIST.###. Such as they are responsible to organize and maintain the node's subscription systems. Every node is responsible to report by-weekly their respective subscription list to the HQ. Subscription fees must be paid by the subscribers to the account of HQ. Millions and millions of new advertisers enter the market each year. InfoNet is designed to help these advertisers to reach a very receptive and a very large audience worldwide what printed ads just can not match. InfoNet is the first company which have designed a system which allows the business community in two continents to easily and freely access classified advertising right from their office or home computer. And we can share our subscription and advertising revenues with you! This is why InfoNet is looking for independent BBS owners of both continent, in Europe and in the Americas. As an independent participant in our network, you will operate your own BBS and you will serve your area's subscribers. Also you will be responsible to bring our services to the attention of prospective advertisers. The special marketing structure designed by InfoNet will allow you to earn commissions on your own subscription-drive and personal advertisement's sales. Otherwise the system operator (sysop) formulates his or her own business strategy to promote and run his or her own board and dealing with subscribers. A SysOp of an individual node can pretty much do as he pleases as long as he fulfills his or her contractual obligations and observes the mail events. The Mail Hour is the heart of any Echo/NetMail network, as this is when the network mail is passed between systems. Any system which wishes to be a part of this business venture must be able to receive mail at this time. A system which is a member of a network may also be required to observe additional mail events, as defined by his Net Coordinator. Network mail systems generally operate unattended, and place calls at odd hours of the night. Participating SysOps are obligated to obtain and use the most recent edition of the INFOLIST.### as is practical. 4.3 A Net Coordinator has the following responsibilities: 1) To receive incoming mail & file for nodes in his net, and to deliver it to its recipients. This mean you have to poll the HOST's Mail Distribution System to receive your mail. 2) To assign node numbers to nodes in his net. 3) To maintain the INFOLIST for his net, and to send a copy of it to Membership Services whenever it changes. 4) To pass along to his nodes the new INFOLIST and INFOLIST updates. 4.4 Routing inbound mail It is your responsibility as Net Coordinator to receive all inbound mail&file for nodes in your net and to forward it to its recipients. You are left to your own discretion as to how best to accomplish this. 4.5 Assigning node numbers It is your responsibility to assign node numbers to new nodes in your net. You may also change the numbers of existing nodes in your net, though you should check with your member nodes before doing so. You may assign any numbers you wish, so long as each node has a unique number within your net. You should attempt to implement name changes, phone number changes, etcetera in your INFOLIST as soon as possible, and to forward the revised INFOLIST to Membership Services whenever a change occurs. As a Net Coordinator you should obtain a new INFOLIST or update every week. The INFOLIST update is posted weekly on Saturdays. The list will be made available to you by Region Coordinator. You should pass both of these along to your member nodes as soon as is practical after you receive them. 4.6 Region Coordinators have the following responsibilities: 1) To assign node numbers to independent nodes in the region. 2) To encourage independent nodes in the region to join existing nets or to form new nets. 3) To assign net numbers to nets in the region. 4) To compile a INFOLIST of all of the nets and independents in the region, and to send a copy the MAIN Coordinator whenever changes occur. 5) To ensure the smooth operation of the nets within the region. 6) To ensure that the latest distribution INFOLIST is made available to the Net Coordinators ASAP. 4.7 Encouraging the formation and growth of nets One of your main duties as a the Region Coordinator is to promote and foster the growth of nets in your region. 4.8 Overseeing net operations It is the responsibility of Region Coordinators to ensure that the nets within the region are operating in an acceptable manner. It is the obligation of Region Coordinators to maintain direct and reasonably frequent contact with the nets in the region. The exact method of accomplishing this is left to your discretion. Region Coordinators are responsible for obtaining the latest INFOLIST and making it available to the Net Coordinators within your region. The INFOLIST is posted weekly on Saturday's NFH by InfoNet Node 101:1/0. It is your responsibility to distribute these to any Net Coordinators in your region as soon as practical after you receive them. Method of distribution is left to your discretion. 4.9 The MAIN Coordinators are responsible for the following: 1) Establishing the Regions . 2) Maintaining the complete INFOLIST and making it available to the Region Coordinators. 3) To ensure the smooth operation of the entire network and if necessary to mediate disputes. 4) Maintaining the list of available echos (AREAS.BBS). 5) Encouraging the growth of the NETWORK as a whole. 4.91 HQ and/or MAIN Coordinators The HQ's are is the highest authority, containing five regions in the USA and sixteen regions in Europe. The MAIN Coordinators compiles the INFOLIST from all of the regions, and creates the master INFOLIST and difference file, which is then distributed over InfoNet Network. InfoNet Administration Contacts in Europe: Herr. Helmut Tempsch Witzelsbergergasse 24/17 1150 Wien Austria, Europe Phone/Fax: 43 -1-95-1140 InfoNet HQ Data: 43-1-985-2951 InfoNet Address: 101:400/0 InfoNet Administration Contacts in the USA: Sandor J. Horvath PO Box 3071 Fairfax, VA 22038 Phone/Fax: 703-352-3610 InfoNet HQ Data: 1-703-591-5680 InfoNet Address: 101:1/0 5.0 Opening Date InfoNet International Business Network is on a trial-run, we encourage SysOps to start any setting-ups, trial period and testing. InfoNet's Management will notify every participating SysOps when the decision is made concerning the official opening. 6.0 Time InfoNet observe GMT. Each system must adjust the clock settings. 7.0 How to obtain a Regional Representative (+ Node)n number In the "INFONET.ZIP" package you will find our "Registration Form". Fill it out and mail or fax to our address. The Main Contract form requires your signature - uploading it is unacceptable. In case of difficulties or questions, call (703)352-3610 and leave a message. Our coordinator may contact you and will give any additional information. All information submitted will be kept confidential and will not be supplied to anyone. Please allow at least two weeks for a request to be processed.