RelayNet:

Also called RIME (for RelayNet International Mail Exchange), RelayNet is popular with users of certain BBS programs (notably PC-Board.) RelayNet uses mail protocols which are completely different from FidoNet Technology networks, both in technology and terminology. (Where FidoNet has "echoes", RelayNet has "relays.") Many of the largest BBSs in the world use PCBoard, and thus are in RelayNet, or compatible networks, although the total number of BBSs in RelayNet is considerably smaller than in FidoNet. RelayNet technology can work on PCBoard, RBBS, GAP, EIS, QBBS, WildCat! and other BBSs. Files can be sent from node to node, or through "distribution lists" to groups of nodes. Files can also be requested from other nodes, including a "delayed request" feature which allows users to request a file before it becomes available – when it becomes available, it is sent. Unlike FidoNet, RelayNet only supports up to 511 conferences per network. PCRelay software costs $60.00 for the hub version, and $30.00 for the node version.

It is possible for a BBS to run both RelayNet-compatible software and a FidoNet-style front-end mailer, so that it can be in both a RelayNet-style network and a FidoNet Technology Network, or even to "gate" public message bases between the two protocols. What cannot be done (yet) is to gate private "netmail" between RelayNet and FidoNet protocols.

RelayNet-Style Networks:

FINET:

FINET is short for Freedom Information Network. FINET is a hybrid network, running primarily on RelayNet protocols, but using QWKmail for some nodes which do not have RelayNet capability. FINET is non-denominational, but has a Calvinist slant to it, "endorsing whole-heartedly the original Westminster Confession and catechisms." The main themes of FINET are apologetics, counter-cult and counter-occult ministry, original manuscript and rare theological book research, Septuagint and theological studies. FINET also has links to Grace International Network, Living Word Network, Messianic Jewish Computer Network (gating from FidoNet Technology protocols), NewLifeNet, and RelayNet. For information on FINET, contact Peter Skorupsky at Freedom Infonet RBBS (1-609-586-4847.) The information file to download is FINET???.ZIP. (The ??? stands for the year of last revision and the revision letter within that year. Thus, the first revision of 1995 would be FINET95A.ZIP.)

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