ACC to replace VivaNet's remote access

The current negotiations with ACC have a three-tier pricing strategy:

• Unlimited use for IP and RNA (University network connectivity) $186 as a lump sum yearly payment (averaging out to $15.50 per month). This will be the single offering for the departmental "check with order" process where employees receive the service via the their departments. Individual subscribers may select this option as well.
• Unlimited use for $18.95 per month on a monthly payment basis.
• 30 hours per month for $10.95 a month, plus $.95 for each hour over the 30 hours.

"The prices are below other local offerings that do not offer transparent University network connectivity," says Norm Acunis, communications engineering manager for University Telecommunications. "In addition, the costs include web space and non-University e-mail."

ACC will supply the first month of service free to all current University VivaNet users. In addition, the University will pay for a second month of such service to those users. These free months should help to offset some of the loss experienced by those subscribers.

Former VivaNet customers will see these months as extensions to the 12-month subscription. The rate will cover 14 months instead of the normal 12 months.

Sign-up sessions on the new service are likely to begin in late August or in early September. In the interim period, before the terms of the ACC agreement are completely negotiated and ACC is capable of providing service to the University, the University Computing Center (UCC) is providing to VivaNet subscribers limited remote access for functions such as web space and VivaNet e-mail (user@shell.dialup.rochester.edu). For mission-critical health care customers, as defined by the Medical Center, certain emergency facilities have been implemented.

In coming weeks, information will be distributed about the new remote access service. In the meantime, general questions may be addressed to 4-HELP (x4-4357). Specific questions about the UCC-provided service for VivaNet e-mail and web space may be directed to the Computing Center, x5-2811. For inquiries about mission-critical health care access, call the ISD Help Desk, x5-3200.