Ascend Communications, Sun and Siecor loaned routers, server and fiber to demonstrate the next phase of networking. Each vendor was on hand during the two-day conference to answer questions and to promote their products. Governor Glendening stopped by the Sailor booth during his special tour of exhibits. With the assistance of Russell Doyen, the governor operated a fiber fusion splicer, on loan from Siecor. Russell announced to the entire showcase that Glendening was probably the first governor in the country to perform such an operation.
Plans are underway to be a participant in next year s showcase.
If you missed it this year, perhaps you can set your calendar to attend in December 1998. With the help of Ascend Communications, Inc., K-12 school and library representatives visiting the Sailor booth at the 1997 showcase were eligible to win a free router. The drawing was held on the second day of the showcase. A gas explosion early that Saturday morning left a gaping hole, shooting 50 foot flames in the air. Russ Doyen braved the danger to ensure all Sailor computer equipment was shutdown properly.