The discussion about www vs gopher has been interesting. I agree
 with the idea that it's really not an 'either or' decision right
 now. Both can be complementary -- as they can also complement
 other internet tools like ftp, telnet, and wais. As the hardware
 issue disappears (until the next generation of tools emerge) the
 ease of use and flexibility of Mosaic type browsers is clearly
 going to move most people to that environment -- and it should,
 until the next thing that's better comes along.

 Another, perhaps more important issue for sponsors and recipients
 is the direction that electronic commerce takes. As the prospect
 of conducting most grant related interactions and transactions,
 including proposals, becomes reality. What kinds of systems will
 be used to implement them? Will development emphasize
 Internet-based solutions based on open standards, or will it take
 the form of multiple propietary systems (either sponsor or
 vendor developed)? We're in for some interesting times!

     Bill Kirby