Introduction

The field of data communications represents one of the most important areas of technology development in the last 25 years. As virtually all forms of electronic communications have become digital, data communications becomes almost redundant, but as there is no universal nomenclature to replace it, it remains data communications. Without data communications, today’s global financial markets would be hard pressed to operate. Transportation companies would have an extremely difficult time providing the reservation service travelers take for granted and logistics to get them to their destinations without data communications. In fact, our quality of life would be greatly reduced.

The importance of data communications requires us to keep abreast of the many aspects of communications technology, ranging from LANs to WANs and intelligent agents, to the use of the Internet. To facilitate our desire to keep abreast of this important and rapidly changing field, this new edition of the Handbook of Communications Systems Management contains approximately 80 articles that were selected to provide you with detailed information covering the different facets of communications.

This handbook is subdivided into a series of ten sections, with articles grouped into each section to facilitate your ability to obtain information concerning a particular area of communications. The first section in this handbook, Planning for Communications Systems, includes articles which cover a range of planning topics, from Windows NT through disaster recovery.

In the second section in this handbook, Business Management Issues, we turn our attention to a series of articles focused upon such topics as electronic commerce, multimedia, and cost allocation. Recognizing the role of changing technology and our need to follow such changes, the third section, Networking Technology, consists of a series of articles that provide us with information on evolving technologies ranging in scope from voice and video on LANs to multicast networking, frame relay testing, and the potential use of hybrid/fiber/coaxial networks.

The glue that holds communications together and facilitates interoperability are standards. In the fourth section, Interoperability and Standards Issues, we turn our attention to this important topic. In the fifth section in this handbook, Organizational Communications Services, we examine the role of virtual private networks, popular email systems, and the 1996 Telecommunications Act.

Over the past few years the role of the Internet has had a profound effect upon both individuals and organizations. In section six, The Internet and Internetworking, we examine the Internet in detail, focusing attention upon topics ranging from the hidden cost of free TCP/IP protocol stacks to Web servers and security. In section seven, Mobile Communications Systems, we recognize the necessity to support the corporate traveler as well as understand the role of wireless communications in supporting access to LANs from building atriums as well as other locations from where it may be difficult, if not impossible, to string conventional cables.

The old adage “been there, done that,” is recognized by the articles included in section eight. In this section, Implementation and Case Studies, we turn our attention to a series of articles which illustrate the efforts of communications personnel in implementing such projects as electronic messaging, voice on a LAN, the use of Ethernet switches, and a corporate intranet. Since experience is a most valuable learning tool, the cast studies presented in section eight can provide a considerable amount of food for thought that can assist us in our implementations.

Another area of concern for network professionals is the operation and management of modern networks. In the ninth section in this handbook, Network Operations and Management, we turn our attention to this important topic. Concluding this handbook, section ten is oriented towards the future. In this section, Directions in Communications Systems, a series of articles prepares us to take advantage of such emerging technologies as intelligent agents, cable modems, and voice recognition systems. From the planning aspects presented in the first section through information covering future directions in the tenth section, this handbook provides you with detailed information covering the operation and utilization of different communications technologies and the business and management practices required to successfully implement and operate different types of communications systems. As a yearly publication, the selection of articles for inclusion in this handbook becomes a repetitive process which can be facilitated by reader feedback. Thus, if there are topics you would like to see addressed in future editions of this handbook, please address your comments to me, either through the publisher by mail:

Auerbach
Handbook of Data Communications Management
535 Fifth Ave., Suite 806
New York, NY 10017
or via electronic mail to tshreve@crcpress.com

Gilbert Held
Macon, GA