The group has responsibility for the maintenance of the software used for
the University Data network including the EMAS Front Ends.   In some cases,
particularly Gateways, Front Ends and other specialist network machines, the
group designs and builds the software.   In other machines such as PADs and 
CPSEs the group supports manufacturers software.

The group is also responsible for the technical planning of the network, which
includes discussion with the managers of the wide range of differing Hosts on
the network, to assist them in identifying any problems.   The group is
responsible for making recommendations to the Directorate on the long term
future of Edinburgh University networking.

The group co-ordinates with both Engineering Support and Operations in
identifying and solving the day to day problems in running a large network.

A varying number of the Communications Group are currently involved in the
OSLAN project team, see appendix  b.  Although some members of the project
team will return to the Communications Group after Easter, the maintenance of 
a proper network service to the users is being severely constrained by the
current complement of staff effort.