=================================================== 25 Feb 1994 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHY SHOULD AN ORGANIZATION JOIN THE INTERNET SOCIETY? Organizations join the Internet because : o they have a significant stake in the continuing global growth and evolution of the Internet and its underlying technologies and applications, - as providers of products and services, or as major users; o they support the education, research, and de- velopment initiatives of the Society in making the Internet known and available throughout the world for the capabilities and benefits it brings to everyone; o they want to be identified with and recognized as members of the Internet community and marketplace together with scores of other or- ganizations; o they wish to shape the directions of Internet evolution; o they want to avail themselves of the additional benefits provided to organizational members. A STAKE IN THE SUCCESS OF THE INTERNET The Internet's future rests with the global Inter- net community and the Internet Society. Indeed the Society was created when many of the indi- viduals and organizations responsible for the crea- tion and evolution of the Internet recognized in 1991 that a viable, active international organization was critical to its continued growth as a universal service around the world. Toward this end, the Society serves as the authori- tative source of information and point of contact for global Internet matters, and promotes and maintains a broad spectrum of activities focused on the development and availability of the Internet and its associated technologies. In some cases, critical activities such as standards making and administrative services are in the process of transi- tion that will result in increasing Society funding. SUPPORT FOR SOCIETY INITIATIVES The Internet Society acts not only as a global clearinghouse for Internet information and educa- tion, but acts to facilitate and coordinate Internet related initiatives around the world. It does this directly through its annual International Network- ing (INET) and other sponsored conferences, de- veloping country workshops, publications, re- gional and local chapters, committees, and inter- national secretariat, as well as indirectly by moti- vating and working with numerous other interna- tional organizations, interested parties, and the press. VISIBILITY IN THE COMMUNITY AND MARKETPLACE The Internet Society provides organizational mem- bers with significant visibility in its publications and literature, on network servers, and at spon- sored events. Organizational members are recog- nized as principal players in the Internet environ- ment - commercial, non-commercial, and govern- mental. SHAPING DIRECTIONS Organizational members hold a seat on the Soci- ety's Advisory Council which meets annually in conjunction with a Board of Trustees meeting. The Council has a significant voice in shaping direc- tions and initiatives of the Society. ORGANIZATIONAL BENEFITS Organizational members are provided special as- sistance by the Society's secretariat in obtaining information at cost and the latest presentation ma- terials which can be very useful and valuable in analyzing or describing Internet and related devel- opments. They are also provided reduced rates for advertising in Society publications and purchasing bulk materials. As the Society's headquarters expands and evolves, additional new services are being planned for organizational members, such as special semi- nars and training sessions. HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOCIETY AND MEMBERSHIP? Email: Tel: +1 703 648 9888 Fax: +1 703 620 0913 (until 16 Mar) Fax: +1 703 648 9887 (after 16 Mar) Secretariat: Internet Society 1895 Preston White Dr, suite 100 (until 16 Mar) 12020 Sunrise Valley Dr, suite 270 (after 16 Mar) Reston VA 22091 USA FAQ 94-102 v.2.0 ===================================================