Mr. Yohn described WV CONSULT as a web portal, an e-mail server, and a technical support group. As a web portal, it provides access to databases such as Internet Grateful Med and PubMed, Meeting Maker Finder, FDA News, New Drugs, MountainLynx (must have TN3270 client) and practice guidelines from AHCPR and professional organizations such as the AMA. In addition WV Consult provides access to over 250 health-related Internet sites with a direct link to search engines.
CONSULT also provides guides and tutorials on line, including web-based tutorials for Grateful Med, PubMed, and Eudora Light. The program provides hands-on training at regional labs throughout West Virginia and at RHEP sites.
CONSULT’s e-mail server is a Netscape messaging server (POP3). The program will provide no-cost e-mail accounts to any health professional in the State.
WV CONSULT provides technical support via e-mail and phone (1-800 MARS line), and through site visits. In addition, CONSULT provides on-site training and demonstrations at regional computer labs and other campus locations.
CONSULT’s hardware includes a Dell PowerEdge 2200 (NT server). In addition the program uses a Microsoft Internet Information Server 2.0 for anonymous ftp only, a Netscape Enterprise Server 3.5.1 and Netscape Messaging Server 3.56 for CONSULT activities, a Real Server Plus 5.0 for audio and video streaming over the Internet. The group has purchased, but not yet installed, an SQL server for database applications.
CONSULT also uses an NCR System 3430 (Unix box) for Java and PERL scripting. Linux will soon replace this.
WV CONSULT’s services are web-based. The program’s web site has recently been revamped and is averaging 2000 hits per month, excluding e-mail usage. The introduction of audio and video streaming for distance education is expected to dramatically increase the volume of hits.
WV CONSULT offers web-site development services, designed around 28-8 dialup, so that all sites around the state would have access and receive the same view.