2197	 The Merit of Regional Computing Networks	 One of the suggested means for stimulating the spread of computing capabilities in institutions of higher learning is through the construction of regional computing networks. One such network has been constructed in the San Francisco Bay Area by Stanford University. This paper reports upon the lessons learned from the operation of the network over the past two years. A major impact of the network was not so much the computer power delivered to the schools as the awakening of computing awareness and the fostering of capability development at these schools. The expertise and assistance from the central facility as well as the sharing of ideas among the participants were other important benefits. Both the quality and variety of services provided by the central facility were found to play a key role in the effectiveness of the network. A regional network brings many benefits and should not be judged as a purveyor of raw computer power alone. computer sharing computer utility cooperative networks curriculum development educational computing network computing regional computing networks remote computing shared computing
