Winston Salem Journal

COPYRIGHT 2007 Winston-Salem Journal

Byline: M. Paul Jackson

Nov. 1–WinstonNet Inc. said yesterday that it was named one of the Smart21 Communities of 2008 by the Intelligent Community Forum, an international economic-development group.

The forum is based in New York. It aims to help create jobs in the broadband economy throughout the world.

WinstonNet’s first-time recognition highlights the work that the organization has done to promote technology, said Lynda Goff, WinstonNet’s executive director.

“This is a great achievement for our community, and our success is due to the hard work and contributions of WinstonNet members and the entire community of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County,” she said.

WinstonNet, a nonprofit organization, provides computer labs and tutoring services. It was created about seven years ago to help bridge the technology gap among lower-income residents.

The group is also developing a wireless-network system that would provide free or low-cost high-speed Internet access in Forsyth County, but establishing that system has been slow. WinstonNet announced its wireless plan last year and hopes to get the network up in Winston-Salem by the end of the year.

A wireless network is a system that lets computer users tap into the Internet without any cables or telephone hook-ups.

The Smart21 Communities designation recognizes 21 international communities that are developing broadband technologies in their areas, including Oregon, the Netherlands, Korea and South Africa.

WinstonNet was recognized for its work in helping to develop a broadband system to link North Carolina’s universities and schools, according to the forum. “Gaining a place among the Smart21 is the first step toward greater recognition as a community or region that is either positioning itself to prosper, or already is prospering in the digital age,” said John G. Jung, the forum’s chairman.

– M. Paul Jackson can be reached at 727-7473 or at mjackson@wsjournal.com.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Winston-Salem Journal, N.C.

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