Paul Scott wrote

> Subject:       X400 and NHS Net-what are _you_ up to?


> In Somerset we are starting to look at the technical aspects of
> electronic comms.  What can people recommend in the way of reading
> around this subject please?

I know of several good University courses which cover this topic to a 
worthwhile level.   However, assuming that you do not have the three 
or four years necessary for these courses, I would recommend that you 
do what you would if you were, say, having a building put up;  get 
hold of some reliable contractors (there are such) and invite them to 
discuss your requirements with you, and quote for the business.

> 
> And more importantly, what are different areas doing to develop their
> electronic comms?  At a meeting today, the following questions were
> discussed:
> 
> Why is SMTP mail being installed on NHS Net when X400 which is already
> installed seems to be more reliable, more confidential and gives notice
> that mail has been received?

I am unsure that X400 is more reliable or more confidcntial than 
SMTP;  and SMTP has a 'confirmation of reading' facilitiy, as well 
as inbuilt systems for notification of failure to devliver.  Most 
commentators would in fact turn the question inside out, and ask 
rather  

 Why is X400 mail being installed on NHS Net when XSMTP 
seems to be reliable and, when used with any of a number 
of encryption schemes, confidential?

> How will individual practices route their NHS Net mail.  

Mail routing is a function of the network;  all the mail user needs 
to be concerned with is ensuring that the mail has the correct 
address in the address field.  The network looks after it from then 
on.

 >What are the
> pros and cons of having the mail router based in BT Syntegra, in the
> Health Authority, in the PCG or where else?  Should the X400 address of
> a practice be based on the practice name, on the PCG name or something
> else?  Is there a national policy on this?

BIG SNIP

Mike Wells
> 
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*     M. Wells                                    *
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