The behind-the-scene changes will include the equipment USPS uses to maintain our membership, educational and accounting data. These equipment changes will bring changes in programs and operating systems, which will, in turn, lead to a host of possibilities.
One technology we know we are going to use is the Web's ability to enable access to our information. "Web-enabled" means that the information is accessible from your Web browser. That means we will provide USPS with Intranet, Extranet and Internet access.
What is the difference between Intranet, Extranet and Internet? You use an Extranet, via the Internet, to reach the Intranet. Confused? Don't worry, it's simpler than you think.
The Internet is a collection of host computers spread over the earth and connected by phone lines. The computers all speak the same communication protocol (language), so someone in New York can connect and read the information on a host computer in Tokyo.
Now imagine that instead of the host computers being spread over the world, they are distributed just within your company. Only people on company-owned computers with-in the company's walls can gain access. That's an Intranet.
Now combine these two concepts, and pretend you are on a business trip. You're in your hotel room and need to access some files on the company's Intranet. You dial into the Internet and, using the proper security passwords, gain access to your company's Intranet. That's as Extranet.
So if you summed up the difference between Intranet, Internet and Extranet in two words, they would be "security access." USPS will have on of each type of system by the year 2000 if our plans are successful.
This will mean several things to members. You won't have to call headquarters to get your rosters. Squadrons can make changes to their members' personal information by directly reading their records in the USPS database. Certain types of reports and information now transmitted by fax and regular mail can be automatically transferred to USPS and back to the squadrons. The public can access up-to-the-minute information on Boating Courses, contact names and phone numbers. Course chairmen can order course materials and exams over the Internet, without making long-distance phone calls and faxes.
These are only a few of the benefits we may see in the new century. Undoubtedly, there will be more, since technology is always changing and improving. We in ComSysCom have just begun the planning process.
One of the first areas we will need to address is searching out and recruiting members with the computer and graphic skills necessary to make these plans a reality. We will also have to decide which equipment, operation system, programs and technologies we want to invest in.
ComSysCom members have our work cut out for us, but we hope that by the year 2000, the membership will reap the rewards!