Editorial

Welcome to this special issue of our Newsletter on Argos and the World Wide Web. We have all watched the Web grow to become, in many places, a part of everyday life. As recently as three years ago, millions of today's Web "surfers" had not even heard of the Internet. Millions of participants are now attempting to sort out the functionality and value of this new technology. In some cases, they are finding it where it was least expected-ironically one of the world's most popular Websites is used to sell of all things books! We too are continuing to evaluate the most effective ways to utilize this new medium.

One example of how we are using the Web involves a new Animal Tracking Forum. The CLS and Service Argos sites are now linked to this forum dedicated to wildlife studies. As well as containing articles on animal migration and physiology, the forum is a great place to exchange ideas and information related to wildlife tracking programs and the Argos system.

No matter how it progresses from here, the World Wide Web has proven to be a very powerful tool for sharing information. For many Argos Users, this is an ideal medium since they are often eager to share their results. As usual, Argos Users are at the forefront of technical development, as demonstrated by the many Websites that feature their work. This issue of the Argos Newsletter features a small sample of these efforts through articles about their sites. Subjects range from El Niño and data buoys to tracking eagles and curlews. You will also find articles about the sites operated by Service Argos, Inc. and by a transmitter manufacturer.

Exciting times are ahead for the Argos system, thanks in part to the Internet. Soon, you will be able to enter or modify your program requirements on line, instead of filling out paper forms. You'll access your Argos results from our Websites, and enjoy a better choice of delivery options, for example platform tracks displayed on maps instead of as coordinates. And, with Downlink Messaging on future satellites, you'll control your transmitters via the Web, for example to turn them on and off. The Web will give you fast, flexible access to Argos data.

Our goal is to make the Argos System easily accessible and very flexible in addressing the requirements of our Users. For this we continue to need feedback from our Users and ask that you feel free to provide your comments.

Jeff Wingenroth
Vice President, Service Argos, Inc.
jw@argosinc.com