European Online Information Centres

The European network, Euronet, which became operational in 1979, was originally created to facilitate access to European hosts and to encourage co‐operation between these hosts. Because of the diversity of hosts, it was hoped to establish one common command language. However, these plans did not progress as well as expected. Many hosts did not always have the means and manpower to visit potential users or even to organise effective mailings to reach their respective markets. To overcome these problems the Euronet‐Diane centres were established in the member countries of the EEC. The aim of these centres was to promote the use of European online information services. At the moment there are five such centres, but most of them have already adapted their activities in response to the local environment. Now, with the disappearance of Euronet and the connection of, for example, Dialog to the British national telecommunication network, it has been decided that the centres should give general information on all online services rather than just information on European hosts.