Technology can result from the application of science to add value, simplification, diversification, and productivity to a process or product. However, technology's value wanes unless it can be transferred to a user who can apply the technology to create a tangible benefit. This article presents ideas on how the National Science Foundation's Internet computer communication service can facilitate the technology transfer process by projecting its use in a flow-system model. Each of the six phases is briefly described with examples of Internet's services in aiding key actions which facilitate the transfer of technology. The Internet computer communication services can be viewed as an international newspaper which has different sections for specialized information.
Internet has three basic services, e-mail, telnet, and ftp.
Telnet is similar to subscribing to a specialized section of a newspaper. It is used to connect to other computers on the Internet. Key actions for the six phases can take a multitude of forms, involving these or other Internet services. The technology transfer process begins when citizens raise concerns about a situation or problem and request a solution. A specialist may refer the agent to resources available through one of the Internet information storage areas or information servers.