Many of today's barristers rely on the Internet to assist with all aspects of their practice, from legal research to sending briefs.

Early in 1997 seeing that the Internet would be the way of the future BCL and the Victorian Bar began to research the idea of an in house Internet service. Hence our Internet system was born.

The design was created by BCL's consulting engineer Mr Michael Feramez. The Board approached Michael to design and implement the system which started out with only 6 users connected to a small 64 kb/s (kilobits per sec) direct connection to the Internet.

The system grew rapidly and soon faster equipment and a faster connection to the Internet was sought. The communications sub committee was formed to manage the network.

The Internet connection was upgraded to a 128 kb/s link. With the user base still growing the access was upgraded to a 2 Mb/s (Megabit per sec) link.

With the network approaching 300 users BCL decided that it was time for an in house support person. Mr Ian Green was employed by BCL in September 2000.

Ian's main responsibility is maintaining the smooth operation of the network. The network is monitered on a constant basis.

With the ever growing threat of viruses BCL implemented a mail monitoring system
to protect its users from virus attacks. An added bonus of this software was its ability to block most SPAM (unsolicited mail) and junk emails.

With the network approaching 700 users BCL upgraded the speed of the network to a 30 Mb/s link and added a redundant 10 Mb/s link to minimise the chance of downtime.
Today the Vicbar Network has close to 1000 members.

The Vicbar network provides members in BCL chambers with access to high speed Internet and email facilities, subject to the Vicbar Internet Connection Policy.

Unlike dial up access it does not rely on your phone line to access the Internet so you can cancel your modem line or stop engaging your voice line.

It also facilitates networking within chambers for computers and printers.
See our section on Charges.

We have provided here a number of resources to help you with using the network.

We also provide FAQs for your assistance and a telephone and email help line at no expense to users.

We have private contractors which are available for other computer related problems. See the help section for more details.

The BCL Communications Committee which oversees the operation of the network invites suggestions on improvements to the network and service.