The development of an integrated intercampus network for data, video and voice continues to be a high priority. The reality of these services has come about primarily by leveraging state initiatives such as HAWAIIAN, HITS, and INet (See Section 3 on Telecom Infrastructure). Using these resources, and by leasing lines when necessary, the University is implementing a statewide network linking all its campuses and education centers. Telecommunications is envisioned as a powerful tool that will permit each campus and education center to act as a "window" into the rich array of educational resources and programs offered elsewhere in the statewide system.
The library system of the University of Hawaii is a member of the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (CARL) and is centralizing all campus library information systems using CARL software. UHCARL is available statewide and offers access to library catalogs, other State databases, and journal indices with optional direct delivery of selected materials.
The University of Hawaii hosts two major international telecommunications projects, PEACESAT and PACCOM. PEACESAT is a satellite-based low-speed data and voice network serving the entire Pacific Basin. It provides multiple voice channels that are used for educational and public service courses, meetings, and conferences. The use of modems over the full-duplex voice channels permits access to the UHCARL library information system, the Internet and other information resources. PACCOM is the Pacific Basin high speed research and education network that provides Internet capability to Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Guam. Both of these projects have received substantial federal funds as well as internal support from the University of Hawaii.