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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!genrad!panda!talcott!harvard!bbnccv!ima!johnl
From: johnl@ima.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: Re: Re: What is Tymnet?
Message-ID: <97800004@ima.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 31-Aug-85 19:11:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: ima.97800004
Posted: Sat Aug 31 19:11:00 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 2-Sep-85 08:48:36 EDT
References: <3469@topaz.UUCP>
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Nf-ID: #R:topaz:-346900:ima:97800004:000:1239
Nf-From: ima!johnl    Aug 31 19:11:00 1985


/* Written  4:22 pm  Aug 29, 1985 by lear@topaz in ima:net.micro */
> Tymnet is a nationwide network that allows people to access their computer 
> from far distances.  I believe it is DOD sponsored but I know it is 
> restricted to a small group of users.  Basically, a user dials an access 
> number, then enters his/her password, and then connects to a desired host.  
> Tymnet is not unlike Telenet.  

Jeepers, what a lot of misinformation.  Tymnet is a public packet switched
data network, and is Telenet's arch competitor.  Although it can be used
for general purpose data communication among its subscribers, it is mostly
used for remote terminal access.  If a computer service makes arrangements
with Tymnet, any of the service's customers can call in through Tymnet which
is usually much cheaper than making a long-distance phone call.  Typical
systems that allow Tymnet access are Compuserve and MCI Mail.  The billing
is handled through the computer service -- you don't have to make any
arrangements with Tymnet yourself.  I suspect that Tymnet has hundreds of
thousands of users over, say, a year.

Tymnet is a subsidiary of Tymshare, an old-line time sharing company, and
has nothing to do with DOD.

John Levine, ima!johnl