1997 NCF Projects
				~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 		   Prepared by: Chris Cope and Lisa Donnelly
				 June 9, 1997


The current plan of the National Capital FreeNet while continuing in it's
mandate to provide a diversified computer based information service, which
meets the information needs of the people and public agencies in the
region, stresses three important characteristics: 

- local community content, participation and communication. 
- People helping people, in a safe friendly environment.
- Free access

The projects identified in the list below, focus on enhancing the services
offered by NCF with a view to continuing the self-sustaining trend,
embarked upon at the beginning of 1997. 

In order to facilitate preparation of the list on a prioritized basis,
projects have been further segregated into: 

i)	Projects which will affect or enhance the reliability of the system

ii)	Projects which are designed to broaden NCF's service base resulting in
	greater versatility for the user

iii)	Projects which are designed to augment or sustain the viability of
	the network in the changing communications environment. 

It is proposed that NCF continue simultaneously on projects within each of
these three groups, with priority given to projects in accordance with the
order in which they appear in their respective categories. In the event
that the list must be shortened, by necessity of limited resources,
available time, fiscal restraint etc., projects will be completed in the
order which will produce the maximum benefit. In other words, the
"Greatest Bang For The Buck."


i)	Reliability
	~~~~~~~~~~~
	These projects are designed to enhance system reliability; to
	expand capacity, thus avoiding numerous "busy" signal conditions;
	and to protect users from unwanted system occurrences and
	excessive commercial mail. 

	(1)	Network upgrade - Plan and implement
	(2)	SPAM protective measures:
		* Prevent Use of NCF system as a relay
		* Prevent (block) receipt of mail from offending sites.
		* Prevent (block) receipt of mail from offending users specific
		  e-mail addresses.
		* Prevent (block) receipt of mail from address or sites which
		  can not be authenticated. 
	(3)	Install PBX system to utilize underutilized telephone lines at
		RMOC for evening access.
	(4)	Complete Administrative database, to enhance ability to manage
		and track user donations, particularly multiple user donations
		and to provide easy updates to member information ie.
		addresses, phone numbers etc..


ii)	Versatility
	~~~~~~~~~~~

	These projects are designed to provide users additional tools and
	services. 

	(1)	Install and test a search engine for NCF Freepages.
	(2)	Creation of auto install PPP configuration diskettes for
		members.
		- Organize and conduct connectivity clinics.
	(3)	Develop teams to create organization account web pages.
	(4)	Install Web stats counter and offer same to users.
	(5)	Install PINE mailreader


iii)	Viability
	~~~~~~~~~

	These projects are all intended to supplement existing cash-flow
	by leading to grants, donations, in-kind gifts and an expanded
	user base. 

	(1)	Visit Key Partners.
	(2)	Pursue organizational accounts - Get small businesses on-line
	(3)	Design and implement a new look and feel for primary NCF pages.
	(4)	Design and launch a marketing campaign to attract new members
	(5)	Identify Grant opportunities, submit requests and pursue.
		- Trillium Grant.
	(6)	Design and conduct an auction.
	(7)	Library card / NCF membership cooperative project