The Computer Information Center integrates and promotes Internet, Intranet, and Local and Wide Area Networking (LAN) technologies into Archbold Biological Station activities. The Center, in the Main Building in a recently-remodeled (1997-98) attic above the Library, includes the System Administrator's office and workspace, server room, storage room, and computer lab. The lab computers provide image scanning and processing facilities, and Internet and network access for visiting scientists.

System Architecture. Computing services are predominantly PC/Windows-based, with all of the servers and most of the workstations running Windows NT 4.0. The Station’s LAN connects 55 computers and serves 65 users. The core is a Fast Ethernet fiber backbone connecting hubs that service the labs and administrative offices. A T1 line provides fast, always-on access to the Internet. A firewall between the router and the Station LAN protects against malicious Internet activities while allowing access by authorized users from remote sites. Four servers provide primary services to the Archbold community including data storage, backup, network-based user applications, Web-serving, E-mail, virus protection, networking services, and remote access. Supplementary servers provide specialized functions in the GIS Lab and for the Accounting Department (Rand Building). Remote access to the Archbold network is by dial-up access using a pair of modems (each with a dedicated line) or by Internet access through a Virtual Private Network. A 10-computer single-segment LAN at the MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC) is connected to the Station's LAN by frame-relay over a dedicated 56K line. An on-site server provides data storage and backup services for MAERC.

Improvements. In addition to ongoing responsibilities of network maintenance and user support, significant improvements were made to the Station’s network. System-wide improvements include; Virus protection, a Firewall with integral Virtual Private Networking, additional back-up capacity, and new network applications. An extensive and ongoing inventory of software licenses and equipment was initiated.

The Network Administrator’s position changed significantly during 1999-00. In 1999 Christopher Brand filled the position and also the Data Manager’s function. In 2000 Archbold outsourced to a local company, Advanced Systems, to provide System administration, and Chris Brand remained as part-time Data Manager.

Some data management projects are also underway. The Station’s plant list has been moved from spreadsheets into Biota®, a collections-management software. This facilitated a major revision and produced new hard-copy and Internet editions of the list. The migration of Herbarium-specimen label data is ongoing. A Web-based Research Application / Metadata Collection form is being developed.