Business Systems Limited, incorrectly referred to as Bermuda Systems Limited in an article that appeared yesterday, would like to clarify that they are the systems administrators for Internet in Bermuda. They are applying for a telecommunications licence from the Bermuda Government, and not from Internet.

The chance to embark on the much heralded information highway is becoming a reality for Bermuda businesses -- although there is still some confusion about what the information highway really is.

This is the view of systems integrator and service company Bermuda Systems Ltd. (BSL), which has applied for a licence to provide Internet services.

The application is lodged with the Telecommunications Commission, and BSL estimates that within three or four weeks a decision will be made.

Internet services include access to world-wide information databases, and the ability to communicate with others by way of electronic mail, file transfer, electronic data interchange, and interactive access to remote computers and other networks.

Mr. Tony Harriott, product manager, network services at BSL, described Internet as an "entry to the highway''.

Mr. Neil Movold, BSL's systems integrator, said: "Internet was born about 20 years ago as a US Department network called the ARPAnet.

"The intention was to connect dissimilar hosts. Eventually, public pressure moved Internet developers to put TCP/IP, the Internet protocol, or rules by which Internet is run, on every conceivable type of computer.

"The network grew to include more countries and commercial organisations, and became too big for universities and research companies to manage,'' he said.

Commercial providers stepped in at this point, said Mr. Movold. BSL could only reveal a "pricing philosophy'' until Government approves the company's application.

Mr. Harriott said: "The cost will be based on a flat fee payable either on a monthly or yearly basis.

"There will be five options to accommodate different sizes and types of businesses, and different speed requirements. The options will provide for both the individual user, and the large company.

"It will be non-penalising system, with no meter going, and the cost will bear no relation to the number of employees using Internet. The more use the system gets, the greater the economies.

"The cost will remain the same for national and international use of Internet,'' said Mr. Harriott.

BSL gathered together representatives from the local retail community, from grocery stores, drug stores, department stores, stevedoring services, and also the Customs Department's software creator for a lunchtime presentation last week.

One participant at the presentation voiced concern about breach of security on the Internet system. Mr. Movold said security is the user's responsibility.

"The more preventative measures, such as encryption, personal authorisation codes, passwords, and router fire walls -- the latter selectively restricts the uses of certain Internet privileges -- that can be taken, the security risk decreases,'' he said.

With more than 30 million subscribers in 137 countries, Internet is said to be the largest network in the world.

One scenario in which Internet could prove applicable would be for a local department store that can communicate with its manufacturer in the UK via Internet, and then to China where the product is made, all from its Bermuda base. Electronic mail could be used to check the progress of the manufacturing process.

Internet could benefit the tourism industry, said Mr. Dan Kenyon, BSL's retail sales development manager. The system could be adapted to create bulletin boards, which flash up room rates, and occupancies levels, for instance.

Mr. Tony Harriott, retail sales development manager Mr. Dan Kenyon, and systems integrator Mr. Neil Movold -- all from BSL.