The 1999 Chinese-American Networking Symposium (CANS’99 was held January 10-14, 1999 at the University of Maryland in College Park. The symposium provided a forum for networking leaders from China and the United States to share their knowledge and experiences, an opportunity to develop partnerships for further networking developments.

China is rapidly expanding its telecommunications and networking infrastructure and deployment. The growth of the national network, and such applications as the World Wide Web, are bringing new capabilities to China’s businesses, industry and educational institutions. These changes are a result of the development and implementation of the China Education and Research Network (CERNET), China Science Technology Network (CSTNET), China Commercial Network (ChinaNet), and China Golden Bridge Network (BGNET). Advancements to the next generation network are needed; the majority of Chinese citizens lack access. Advanced Internet backbone structures need to be implemented and upgraded, providing opportunities for technology transfer and direct investments. Networking technology and equipment are in great demand.

The United States has been a leader in the development and deployment of networking technologies. The Internet is now a commodity. Partnerships between the higher education research community, industry and the federal government are developing the next generation Internet. The University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID) is coordinating and leading the Internet2 effort. Dr. Douglas Van Houweling, President and CEO of UCAID will be the opening keynote speaker.

Timing is right for the continued development of partnerships between American corporations, enterprises and institutions and the Chinese counterparts. The needs for information exchange encouraged the Chinese Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the University of Maryland to jointly organize the 1999 Chinese-American Networking Symposium (CANS’99). It is the first time that 50 top Chinese Internet leaders will visit the United States and share information with their counterparts. The CEOs and Chief Engineers of participating organizations from China are:
* Zhao Xiaofan, Deputy Director General, State Informatization Office of China

* Wu Jainping and Li Xing, CERNET – China Education and Research Network
* Yin Yiping and Ye Yongdong, ChinaNet – China Commercial Network
* Yan Paoping and Qian Hualin, CSTNET- China Science and Technology Network
* Qi Mingqiu and Ma Rushan, ChinaGBN – China Golden Bridge Network

As a sponsor of CANS’99, your participation and contributions will provide you with an opportunity to share your ideas and vision with the networking leaders and decision makers in China, promote relationships, and learn how your products and services can advance the networking environment in China. We look forward to your participation in this exciting symposium!

To become a CANS’99 sponsor, you may contact the Office of Information Technology, University of Maryland at (301) 405-8733 or by electronic mail at cans99@umail.umd.edu. We encourage you to join us in supporting this event, and look forward to welcoming your organization as a CANS’99 sponsor.

Become a sponsor of CANS’99 when China’s prominent networking leaders and decision makers gather in January 1999. Your contributions will be recognized in the program.