NEARnet is a data network service enabling users to exchange electronic mail and access remote computing resources, databases, and information on the Internet, a worldwide communications internetwork. Organizations connecting to NEARnet become NEARnet members, with access to technical and user seminars, on-line discussion groups, publications and newsletters about networking topics, and more.
Members also have access to a staff of experts to help solve problems and answer questions.
The NEARnet service was created by BU, Harvard and MIT in 1989 to support the research and academic communities, and to strengthen the regional competitiveness of New England. Operated by BBN since 1989, NEARnet is a self-funded regional network connecting with networks serving other regions to form the Internet. NEARnet has grown from less than 10 members in the Boston area to more than 200 members throughout the six New England states. NEARnet's success is due in large part to the participation of users in the Steering, Planning, and Technical Committees, each of which will continue its function. A cooperative agreement among the universities in 1989 appointed MIT to manage the project, and required that MIT establish a contract with a facility operator for NEARnet.