# Distributed Computing and Network Services

Distributed Computing and Network Services (DCNS) works with other Information Systems (IS) departments to provide campus-wide information technologies that serve the MIT community. DCNS has operational responsibility for key elements of MIT's distributed computing infrastructure, including:

- MITnet, the campus-wide computer network
- The Athena Computing Environment, including software development and systems administration of servers, public clusters and workstations in private offices
- A common set of network services for selected UNIX, Macintosh and DOS/Windows platforms

DCNS has four divisions:

Director's Office
Development (DCNS-DEV)
  DCNS-DEV develops applications that allow MITnet customers to make effective and productive use of the MITnet. This includes the creation and revision of Athena system software. They evaluate and implement, when appropriate, third party applications that serve the MITnet customer base - selected UNIX, Macintosh and DOS/Windows platforms.
Network Systems and Operations
  Network Systems and Operations has two groups: The Network Operations Center is responsible for the day-to-day management of the MITnet, as well as planning future network technology implementations. The Systems Support group also manage the various server systems on which Athena relies.
Network Support Services (NSS)
  NSS provides front-line application and installation support to MITnet customers and maintain net-dist.mit.edu, an ftp site for MITnet, and other network, applications that are supported by IS.