In Which We Expand In Many Dimensions

By Joe Caponi  Network Computing readers are a diverse bunch (just see last month's salary and job satisfaction survey). To keep up, we're branching out into some diverse areas of our own. In print, we've launched the Workgroup Computing Quarterly, applying our Real-World Lab® testing techniques to products and technologies essential to managers of smaller networks. The premier issue covers SOHO ISDN routers, workgroup microsegmented hubs, backup tape media, 10/100-Mbps Ethernet NICs and more. You'll find the complete supplement at www.NetworkComputing.com. Online, this month's Network Design Manual chapter examines designing a message transfer agent, beginning with a day in the life of an e-mail message and coverin g MTA-MUA interactions, SMTP-SMTP relationships and "gatewaying" for non-standards based e-mail systems. Out in the real world, Network Computing is co-sponsoring two conferences that bring together our readers and editors with some of the world's leading networking experts. The Internet Security Conference (San Jose, April 6 to 8) and the Network Analysis and Design Forum (in conjunction with NetWorld+Interop, Las Vegas, May 4 to 7) let you ask questions and share your experiences with networking leaders in relaxed, comfortable settings. And even in space, Network Computing delivers the goods. Christy Hudgins-Bonafield's broadband satellite-based networking feature (page 70) is supplemented with a constellation of online articles. Blast off at www.NetworkComputing.com. --Joe Caponi, jcaponi@nwc.com

What's Inside By Fritz Nelson